The Central Alberta Victim & Witness Support will be hosting an entertainment filled gala this month to raise money for their programs.
The Helping Hands Harvest Gala will consist of a live and silent auction, a buffet dinner, photo opportunities and entertainment to raise money for victim support services.
The gala takes place Nov. 15th. Tickets are $85 for a single person and a table of eight can be purchased for $680. Tickets can be purchased on the Victim Support web site or by calling Amy Deneer at Volunteer Central at 403-505-6222. Tickets are available until Nov. 14th.
“Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and we have a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the Black Knight Inn in Red Deer and then we have a live and silent auction. We have various items in the auction including hockey jerseys, artwork and some jewellery from local sponsors,” said Deneer.
“Our entertainment is a live performance by NHL alumni Kraig ‘9 House’ Neinhuis. He’s a solo act and is a very good entertainer. He’s worked for lots of fundraisers in the past. We also have some RCMP officers who will be in ceremonial dress with whom complimentary photos can be taken.”
All of the proceeds go straight to Victim & Witness Support programs such as court services, counselling programs, support for victims of sexual abuse, dealing with deaths of loved ones and support for witnesses and victims of crimes.
“There isn’t a specific program that they’re fundraising for right now – the money is being used to keep the program running for victims. We offer counselling services and court services – helping with applications and things. They do a lot of legwork and paperwork for these unfortunate people,” said Deneer.
“We also have some door prizes and little extras for the evening. We’re going to have a little contest on the web site where if you make a donation to the society, either online or in person, you are actually entered to win two tickets to the gala.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Blackfalds RCMP detachment, which is formerly known as the Blackfalds and District Victim Services building.
Deneer said that donations are welcome because Central Alberta Victim & Witness Support are a non-profit group and require this money to exist.
“The society is a completely non-profit organization so they really rely on the funds donated and the support of the community just to keep it going. That’s my biggest reason for coming on board and helping this – we have to keep societies like this open because without them, the victims wouldn’t get the help they need to get back on their feet,” she said.
“People don’t think about needing this until it’s the day that they become a victim and then that’s when you go looking for organizations like this. It’s amazing what all they help with.”
The gala has an evening capacity for 300 people and tickets are on sale now. Services are provided to victims all over Central Alberta, from Springbrook to Gull Lake and Stettler.
kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com
