Children’s Benefit Gala for Wood’s Homes set for March 28
If you want to be where the people are, you will want to attend the 14th annual Lethbridge Children’s Benefit Gala for Wood’s Homes Lethbridge and Area.
This year’s “Little Mermaid”themed event is taking place at the Coast Hotel the evening of March 28. It will be hosted by Travis and Kinga Zentner and feature a five-course meal courtesy of L.A. Chefs, a live and silent auction and entertainment by The Chevelles.
It will also feature the young stars of St. Francis Junior High’s performing arts program who are currently running “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” The students will sing several pieces from their production.
Jeff Hansen, Wood’s Homes program manager, said this year’s event has seen a substantial boost in ticket sales — up from 240 last year to more than 320 so far this year.
“I think there’s been a renewed interest this year,” he said, adding there have an influx of new volunteers involved in this year’s event to supplement their regular base.
In addition, there has been a strong response from the local business community.
“In a long time, this is the most sponsorship opportunities we’ve ever had,” he said. “These local business men and women have really stepped it up and answered the call.”
Hansen said organizers had set a goal of raising $60,000 from the event, but looking at the numbers, he is hoping to bring in more than $80,000
“It’s just based on the numbers, and the people who are coming,” he said. “Around half the people coming are new (to the event). That tells me there is some renewed interest in the work we’re doing here.”
Money raised will go to dayto-day operations and staffing costs.
Wood’s Homes provides a wide range of services for young people in the 16-24 years of age range, acting as a safety net for vulnerable people during their transition between children and adulthood.
Since it was opened in 2003, Wood’s Homes in Lethbridge has helped more than 1,000 local youths.
The nationally recognized children’s mental health centre is based in Calgary and operates in Lethbridge and a number of other communities.
The organization offers crisis and counselling services, shortterm and long-term housing assistance, and treatment.
Wood’s Homes also works alongside numerous community organizations as part of an umbrella of assistance available to at-risk young people in the city.
“A big part of it is the amount of crisis calls and drop-ins we receive in a year,” said Hansen. “Last year, we were well over 600 crisis calls and drop-ins. This year, we could probably hit 700 to 800.
“They know The Core (the youth shelter) is a safe place.”
Tickets are $150 and can be purchased by calling Coleen Campbell at the Wood’s Homes office at 403-317-1777.
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