Wildfire victims’ benefit galas set for Saturday
Pincher Creek’s saving grace is back again this month to help raise funds for the victims of the last summer’s wildfires. The eighth annual gala, hosted this year by the Twin Butte Community Hall and the Angels Within Us, Pincher Creek Foundation, will start at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Pincher Creek Community Hall. However, the two organizations are combining to extend their reach and help victims of the Kenow fire affected not just in the town but the surrounding areas.
“We cover the MD of Pincher Creek and the town of Pincher Creek, which does include Twin Butte,” says Angels Within Us Foundation president Sherry Mackenzie.
“But this year, it’s a little bit different because the fires were so big and devastating and it’s all so close to home, we decided to extend our reach this year of who we wanted to help by combining our fundraising efforts with Twin Butte, who were also planning their own fundraiser at the time to help these victims.”
The Angels Within Us, Pincher Creek Foundation formed several years ago to bring yearly events to families and causes in need throughout the community. With a small idea to give, the foundation snowballed into a cherished organization that helps between 10 and 12 families each year, on top of their annual functions that collectively raise thousands for specific causes.
However, with the warm and dry weather that plagued Alberta throughout the summer and into the fall, the Kenow fire burned harshly, taking homes and livelihoods in its wake and prompting the foundation to band together with other affected areas to offer their support.
“We were all ready for our event and then, the fire happened,” says Mackenzie. “There’s so many people in the area and within Twin Butte who knew or had family and friends that have been affected, so this is a small way in which everyone gets to come together as a community and do a little part in helping so many people that were affected.”
This year’s event will be held in Twin Butte at the community hall, but will still offer the same evening of fun that the Angels Within Us Foundation has brought to their events for the past seven years including a beef dinner, silent auction and live entertainment.
The event will begin at 4 p.m., with a silent auction with items provided by local businesses, residents and people wanting to help starting at 7 p.m. Reese Klaiber will make an appearance to sing the night away at 9 p.m., to help put the fun in fundraising for a great cause.
With high hopes to raise all the money needed to restore homes, land and crops, Mackenzie says there’s a long road ahead but she is optimistic they will pull through.
“I don’t think it’s out of the question to raise over $100,000 because on any given year, we’ve been able to raise at least half that. But, I would love to get closer to the higher end because there’s a lot of things such as hay that still needs to be bought for those affected.”
With the previous fundraising events selling out to 400 people, Mackenzie added this year she’s hoping more money can be raised due to the new hall being able to house up to 600 people.
Mackenzie isn’t concerned about the amount of money that will be raised, as she has faith in the giving nature of her community. However, the allocation of funds where they are needed most will be the greatest challenge since damages were so extensive.
“The hardest part isn’t going to be the fundraiser or receiving donations because people are so generous and they love the community. But, the hardest part will be to get the funds to where they’re most needed at this time.”
Tickets are for sale in advance for $70 and can be purchased through calling Colleen Parkin at 403-627-2594.