Medicine Hat News

Spirit of Giving Gala a new way to give to local families

- TIM KALINOWSKI tkalinowsk­i@medicineha­tnews.com Twitter: MHNTimKal

Every year the spirit of Christmas is rekindled anew in the hearts and minds of Hatters by the continuing efforts of the Medicine Hat

News Santa Claus Fund to bring joy, warmth and happiness to those in need in the Yuletide season.

In keeping with this mission, the SCF is proud to sponsor its latest initiative by holding its first annual “Spirit of Giving Gala and Christmas Tree Auction” at the Medicine Hat Lodge on Nov. 23.

“We felt it was something unique and would increase awareness of our work in the community,” says SCF executive director Deanna Doerkson. “It is a wonderful opportunit­y for businesses and individual­s alike to show their support for the Santa Claus Fund. We couldn’t do what we do to help needy local families without the continued support of our community.”

While the event will feature a three-course plated meal, Christmas-themed entertainm­ent and a festive atmosphere, the highlight of the evening will certainly be the charity Christmas tree auction.

Eight uniquely-decorated, full-sized Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses will be up for bid, with all proceeds going to the Santa Claus Fund. The dazzling trees will be on display at Medicine Hat Lodge throughout the week leading up to the night of the “Spirit of Giving Gala.”

“The Santa Claus Fund has been servicing our community in Medicine Hat for the past 31 years,” says Doerkson. “We are providing families living in poverty the opportunit­y to experience the spirit of Christmas.

“Not only do we provide our Christmas meal vouchers for families, but toys, hygiene items and stocking stuffers for the children. We help to lessen the financial and emotional stress these families are going through at Christmas time.”

Tickets for the Santa Claus Fund’s “Spirit of Giving Gala and Christmas Tree Auction” can be purchased online at eventbrite.ca, in person at the corporate offices of the Medicine Hat Lodge or by calling 403-928-9900. Tickets are $70 each.

 ?? NEWS PHOTO TIM KALINOWSKI ?? The Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund executive director Deanna Doerkson is excited about the Spirit of Giving Gala coming up on Nov. 23.
NEWS PHOTO TIM KALINOWSKI The Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund executive director Deanna Doerkson is excited about the Spirit of Giving Gala coming up on Nov. 23.
 ?? NEWS PHOTO TIM KALINOWSKI ?? The highlight of the gala event will be the Christmas Tree Auction, where several locally-sponsored trees will go to the highest bidder.
NEWS PHOTO TIM KALINOWSKI The highlight of the gala event will be the Christmas Tree Auction, where several locally-sponsored trees will go to the highest bidder.
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