Attendees listen to music and visit during the BGC Battlefords Gala. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

BGC Gala

A true winter wonderland: BGC Gala exceeds $80K goal

Nov 22, 2024 | 4:44 PM

A sparkling orb at the centre of the Dekker Centre’s banquet hall’s ceiling bathed the room in a soft blue glow. Extending out from the orb in all directions were strings of twinkling golden lights thus completing the illusion that the guests who mingled below were out on wintery eve at twilight: a magical time to be in a winter wonderland.

“Once again, the community showed up and showed their support for the club and we are just incredibly blown away by the generosity that was shown,” said BGC Battlefords Executive Director Nicole Combres.

The 24th annual gala on Nov. 21 offered up an evening of live music, savoury food and opportunities for exciting auction items. The event – the largest of the year for the organization – raised thousands of dollars that will go towards operations for the club.

“It’s really hard to put into words what that means. For a small city, we know the importance of community support and it taking a village essentially to raise our kids,” she said, adding it’s their privilege to help raise the children of the community.

The gala’s lighting sets the wintery mood. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

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“We couldn’t do that if it wasn’t for the support of the community, whether that be our business people, our community members, the parents that are entrusting us with their kids each and every day.”

Throughout the night, auction items such as an exclusive dining experience at The Blend, a smoker, and a fly-in fishing trip to Iskwatikan Lake were up for grabs.

The big surprise moment of the night came from Duane LaFreniere, a BGC board member and businessman.

“I was given, actually an Allan Sapp original painting by my partner in the business,” he said referring to Auto Canada.

The owner of Bridges Chevrolet Buick GMC explained that it had been sitting in a closet and when they gave him the gift in 2020 to do with what he will, there was just one option. Sell it and donate the proceeds – all $11, 200 – to the club.

“I was expecting less, I didn’t know what it was worth,” he said of the cheque he received just last month.

While he knew it would be in the thousands given the painter’s reputation, he was expecting a number closer to $3,000.

“They are so deserving,” he said of BGC Battlefords, adding he’s been supporting the organization for years.

Duane LaFreniere presents a cheque of $11, 200 to Nicole Combres, BGC Battlefords executive director. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

“This one was a little extra special and it makes me feel good and I know it’s going to make a difference.

In a follow-up phone call, Combres said they don’t have an exact tally of what they raised but they exceeded their goal of $80,00 and it’ll all go back into the operating bills like the power and water bills.

“The reality is without those things we don’t have safe places and the ability to provide those really high-quality programs and services to the kids in our community,” she said.

“The revenue generated from tonight will really go towards ensuring that we have the ability to continue to provide those programs and services.”

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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