Project H.O.P.E., a nonprofit organization in various schools within the Golden Hills School Division, had its Masquerade Fundraising Gala this past Saturday (April 20).

The organization provides music and art and adapts physical education therapy to children with special needs aged 3 to 18. 

"The Gala just brought the community together. We had a silent auction and a live auction. We always like to have some fun games. We also had a prize wheel, and whatever prize you won was donated by Project H.O.P.E. students at Crowther Memorial Junior High (CMJHS.)," said Project H.O.P.E. secretary Alaina Heming. 

According to Heming, the students crafted planters, thank you cards, roses, cupcakes, and decorated baked goods to give back to the donors. 

The final total raised at the Gala has yet to be calculated, but Project H.O.P.E. is hopeful for $20,000.

"It's hard to gauge with nonprofits and fundraisers, especially where we are now in this new post-COVID world. Fundraisers are different, and they look different. So that is our goal, which is always around 20. We're grateful for anything that the community donates, though."

Heming said that if they come under $20,000, they don't consider that a failure because it is more about bringing the community together and promoting the programs that are so beneficial to all students who need them. 

"The money goes directly towards the therapies, and every dollar goes towards the programs for these kids." 

The goal for the Gala was to have 300 people attend and sell out all the tickets.

"We did not sell out, but we don't consider that disappointing. We had about 165 guests, and based on the feedback we've received, everybody had a great time."

A live band played, and there was a buffet dinner. According to Heming, in the few short hours of the Gala, they tried to ensure everyone had fun and a scene of togetherness. 

"It's nice that we got new people this year. People who hadn't been out to see it and learn what we do at Project H.O.P.E." 

Donations are still being accepted at project-hope.ca.

"We, as a board, appreciate everybody and know what goes into this. But we also know that with the economy the way it is, people are being more picky about where they want to spend their money, and so to come and support the most vulnerable young people in Strathmore and Wheatland County. Hats off to them!" 

The list of organizations that sponsored Project H.O.P.E. and the Masquerade Fundraising Gala is as follows: 

  • Platinum Sponsor
    • Tina's No Frills
  • Gold Sponsors
    • Maxfield 
    • Events & Co. Decor Rentals
    • Strathmore Elks Society
    • Hilton Holding Ltd.
    • Catering by LaRue
  • Silver Sponsors
    • Rich-Lee Custom Homes
    • Roost Design Co.
    • Origin Brewing Company 
    • Carey Rose ReMax Real Estate
    • Wheatland Elementary School Parent Council
    • Crowther Memorial Junior High School
  • Bronze
    • Premier Exterior Solutions Inc. 
    • Boone's Paint and Body
    • Rimk Industries Inc.
    • Strathmore Boston Pizza
    • Rebellion Energy Services
  • Grant Providers
    • United Way
    • WFCSS
    • FCSS
    • Alberta Government CIP Grant

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@strathmorenow.com