A dream of a fundraiser

Photo: Contributed

Members of Kalamalka Rotary are dreaming about another big fundraiser.

The Rotarians are preparing for the club’s 35th annual Dream Auction.

The gala evening will be held on Nov. 16 and will feature live and silent auctions, a three-course dinner and dance as part of an evening that is known to be one of the premiere social events in Vernon.

This event also serves as an opportunity to give back to the community and support so many worthy not-for-profit groups.

Funds raised at the Dream Auction are used by Kalamalka Rotary to support the community in the areas of community health, environment and parks, athletics and recreation, education and arts and culture.

In 2018, the auction supported building improvements for Allan Brooks Nature Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association, Kindale Society and provided much-needed equipment to Vernon Jubilee Hospital, Community Dental Access Centre, Silver Star Adaptive Snow Sports and the North Okanagan Therapeutic Riding Association.

Julia Payson, executive director for CMHA in Vernon praised Rotary for the impact their donation had on the association.

“Our kitchen is the hub of CHMA – it is a community table where we join together six days a week to prepare and share more than 6,500 meals a year,” said Payson. “This inclusive community space allows us to better serve our participants and community with good nutrition, social connections and life skills.”

A portion of the funds are also allocated to international destinations which support projects in the areas of disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation projects, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development.

“We are excited about this milestone anniversary,” said Brian Reid, Dream Auction chairperson. “Over the past 34 years, Kalamalka Rotary has raised over $4 million dollars with 100 per cent of the proceeds of the event given to local and international not- for-profit groups.”

Kalamalka Rotarians are looking for businesses and individuals to support the auction by providing a product or service for the live and silent auctions, sponsoring the event and donating cash for auction items and attending the event as a guest and bidding on auction items. Community groups can begin to apply for grants between now and December.

Applications are available online.