The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Battlefords Annual Gala is seeing some changes this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. (Facebook)

By Angela Brown

Support for youth

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Battlefords 20th Annual Gala fundraiser now underway

Nov 23, 2020 | 5:28 PM

Those wishing to show their support for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Battlefords still have time to take part in the 20th Annual Gala this month.

Funds raised from the event benefit the charity organization’s programs and services for youth and families in the Battlefords community.

“This is a really vital fundraising event for our organization,” Executive Director Nicole Combres said.

The dinner and auction is quite a bit different this year due to the province’s COVID-19 restrictions for gathering.

Combres said normally the gala would have been a big affair at the Gold Eagle Casino Event Centre.

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Instead, this year the auction portion of the event is now virtual, running until the end of the month, while the gala dinner event is being held on four separate evenings at The Blend Restaurant.

The next sittings are Nov. 27 and 28.

“There is a virtual component to our gala,” Combres said. “When you purchase a table, you will get a link before your gala night that will lead you to our virtual gala video, that highlights some of the work the club has done over the year.”

In the video, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Battlefords also acknowledges the contributions from local businesses and supporters to the organization.

People have a choice to dine in, or pick up their meals to enjoy at home instead.

Combres appreciates everyone who purchases a meal to take part in the event.

“They will register through us here at the Boys and Girls Clubs, whether that is by calling the office or by purchasing their table online,” she said.

Combres thanks The Blend Restaurant and owner Robin Petersen for donating the proceeds from all the meals sold.

“We couldn’t have done this event without him,” she said.

The auction fundraiser, that has gone virtual this year, continues until Nov. 30 at 12 p.m.

“Our online auction [goal] to raise for the event is $20,000,” Combres said. “But we recognize that times are really tough for people.”

Among some of the featured auction items this year are a diamond ring, and a print called Roaming Buffalo by acclaimed Saskatchewan photographer Matt Jacques.

“People can go online and bid on some great prizes, do some Christmas shopping that way, and really just know they are making a significant difference in our community for our organization, and the children, youth and families that we serve,” Combres said.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW