Click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter

BTEC Mardi Gras fundraiser raises over $48K

Feb 9, 2017 | 1:00 PM

A fun atmosphere and a worthy cause brought more than 300 people out to the Battlefords Trade and Education Centre’s (BTEC) Mardi Gras fundraiser.

The fifth annual Mardi Gras Fundraiser was held at the Don Ross Centre on Feb. 4, and the night was filled with food, dancing, and auctions. With about 330 people in attendance, over $48,000 was raised.

Executive Director of BTEC, Mona Leece, said fundraising is an important part of running the centre year round.

“BTEC is an activity center for people with developmental disabilities. We’re non-profit so we’ll always have to fundraise,” Leece said. “We’re in our brand new building and it’s absolutely amazing — the Pfeifer Learning Centre. Tonight, we’re just fundraising for specialized equipment, landscaping, anything else we need. “

Being one of BTEC’s biggest fundraisers of the year, Leece said the fun atmosphere is what brings people in year after year.

“We’ve got the live bands welcoming you in with the Mardi Gras kind of music. I think that’s what attracts people, and it’s just so much fun. We have a great time with it and it’s a very worthy cause,” she said, commending the citizens of the Battlefords for their ongoing generosity.

“It’s overwhelming and it’s emotional how they just keep giving and giving. I think my favourite part would probably be the community that gives so much.”

Last year a little of $53,000 was raised.

 

Katherine.svenkeson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ksvenkeson