Kiwanis Club hopes to see record turnout at Grapes and Gourmet Gala

By COLLIN GALLANT on March 15, 2019.

cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant

The Kiwanis Club of Medicine Hat is looking to take the grand total of its Grapes and Gourmet Gala fundraiser over the $400,000 mark at next week’s annual event.

The cumulative funds raised over 17 years of hosting the evening currently sits at $385,000 distributed to a variety of charities that are selected on a year-by-year basis..

More than 200 tickets have already been sold for the 2019 event that takes place March 22 at Medalta, and has a rapidly approaching registration deadline.

Kiwanis Club chief organizer Ken Murdock is hoping to challenge the record turnout of 300 for the annual event.

He describes the outing as “a chance to dress up for a night on the town” for a good cause, though the format lends to a relaxed atmosphere more likely found at a casual mixer.

“It’s not that rigid, and we find that, even with set seating, most of the time is spent mingling,” said Murdock.

Food service is provided from 10 restaurant food stations that are paired with wine or beer at nine others.

“And we have oodles of great silent auction items,” said Murdock.

This year’s proceeds with benefit the local Sexual Assault Response Committee. That group of 50 agencies in that region provides support to sexual assault survivors, such as therapy and court-process navigation support. The body also provides educational programming aimed at harm reduction and promoting healthy relationships.

Murdoch said the goals of the charity align well with the Kiwanis International mandate. It compels local clubs to “empower communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. ”

Registration must be made by the end of business on March 20 to arrange for seating. Tickets are $80 and can be reserved by phoning the offices of corporate sponsor, local law firm Pritchard & Co., at 403-527-4411.

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