Gem of the West fundraiser set for Oct. 21

WINE AND CHEESE AUCTION HELPS RAISE MONEY FOR COALDALE MUSEUM’S UPCOMING PROJECTS

The Gem of the West Museum Society is gearing up for its biggest fundraiser of the year this October.

By inviting Coaldale residents to snack and sip at this year’s annual Wine and Cheese Auction fundraiser on Oct. 21, the museum administration collectively is hoping to offer a lavish night of fun while raising money for the museum’s upcoming projects.

Carmen Vermeulen, manager of the Gem of the West Museum Society, says events like these are needed throughout the town of Coaldale to keep the museum a vibrant part of the community.

“This event is necessary for us to continue operating and to continue undertaking the projects which make it possible to keep the museum going. It is our biggest and most profitable fundraiser each year.”

This annual fundraiser is held with the hopes of raising enough money to make the fall and winter projects for the museum possible, and although the society doesn’t have a set goal in mind, Vermeulen says that so far the annual fundraiser has done a good job of attaining enough money to make these upgrades a reality.

“The event proceeds each year are earmarked for whichever upcoming project we have at the time. Last year’s auction helped us complete our outdoor day use patio and landscaping. This year, we have three exhibits we are looking at revitalizing, and so the funds from this year’s Wine and Cheese Auction will go towards making those projects possible.”

“In a recent survey we put out to the community, 71 per cent of respondents indicated that they would like to see more changing exhibits,” adds Vermeulen on why this specific project was chosen this year.

“So, we hope these exhibit projects will be something that will help fulfill that.”

The annual wine and cheese fundraiser seems to be getting better and better each year.

With a silent auction starting off the evening at 5:30 p.m. before moving into a live auction at 7 p.m., with complementary drinks (after purchasing a ticket) and hors d’oeuvres offered to guests throughout the evening, this event boasts a night of fun for all to enjoy.

It’s also an event that members of the community are keen to get involved with year after year.

With donations of items for the auction coming from local businesses and organizations, as well as museum members and Coaldale residents, it appears the event is something many are excited about.

“It’s a nice social event to bring to the community.

“The ticket price includes wine and hors d’oeuvres, and we always receive a good variety of auction items available to bid on, so it’s generally a fun evening all around, although each year is dependent on things like incoming donations, and turnout, etc.,” says Vermeulen.

“The event is changing and growing, and last year’s auction was our most successful to date in terms on proceeds.”

However, it’s not just the event that’s garnering more attention from the public as the years go by, but the museum as well.

With the yearly attendance growing significantly the past few year’s, Vermeulen says that in 2017, the Gem of West Museum is estimating to see over 5,000 people pass through their facility thanks to tours, rentals and events throughout the year.

Which means the society, board members and volunteers are hoping for an even more successful fundraiser this year to help change the displays within the museum more frequently and create a night for the community to come out and have fun.

Tickets are available in advance at the museum for $20 and seating is limited.