Cracking good time
Club Richelieu Évangéline has all the ingredients of a fun-filled kitchen party
It’s hard not to have a cracking good time at the 23rd annual Club Richelieu Évangéline social when the first lobster dinner of the season is served among lively Acadian music, stories and prizes, all while supporting a worthy cause.
It’s hard not to have a cracking good time at the 23rd annual Club Richelieu Évangéline social when the first lobster dinner of the season is served among lively Acadian music, stories and prizes, all while supporting a worthy cause.
“Our goal is to help kids grow by different programs,” said Théodore Theriault, the organizer of the fundraiser that was held Saturday, at the Acadian Village Musical in Abrams Village.
“One of the programs we invest in is a youth training centre in Mont Carmel that helps teach kids (from Grade 1 to teens) about anti-bullying and respect. It’s been very successful.
“Funds from this event also go towards the Acadian Games, which is one of the best youth sport development programs. The model has been borrowed by western Canada, and even France at one point looked at our system to see how it works. “The Acadian games are coming up and (from this fundraiser) we’re supplying all the kids with backpacks to participate.”
Theriault noted that more than 300 youth are involved in the Games. Stephanie Landry was among the guests that benefitted from previous events.
“I have great memories when I was in ‘Académie Jeunesse. I did mini handball, soccer, softball and badminton,” she reflected.
“I began the youth action program when I was 11, and participated as an athlete for many years.
Funds raised went towards uniforms, leadership camps and transportation to get to the tournaments.
“I started as a participant, then became a coach, and now I’m on the regional committee for the Acadian Games here on P.E.I.”
Landry was named Volunteer of the Year in 2017.
She will be recognized at the club’s annual meeting, as well as the regional games on Friday, May 25-26.
Gallant admitted that the support from the Club Richelieu Évangéline paved the road to her leadership success. The event, which ran from 7-9 p.m., included evening entertainment by youth band Palourdes, as well as prizes and a 50/50 draw that contribute to the fundraising efforts.
“We end up with an average of $10, 000 to $11, 000 in profit,” concluded Theriault.