The Choice for Life Society of Williams Lake is hosting a benefit gala dinner and dance at Sacred Heart Hall on Saturday, Feb 16.
The fundraiser includes door prizes, silent auction and table sponsors, say organizers, society treasurer Gwen Ryder, and co-presidents Ryder and Brucks and Shannon Wedel.
The guest speaker for this year’s event is Tia MacDougall from Abbotsford.
This fall MacDougall worked with leaders in this area to come up with objectives, plans and solutions for youth to help them to deal with life’s struggles.
The training covered depression and suicide as well as sexual health.
MacDougall has been acclaimed by teachers, students and parents as one of the most successful sexual integrity presenters in B.C., organizers say. She has a background primarily in counselling troubled youth and there is much to glean from her presentations of the Empowering Life Series.
MacDougall is also a former professional ballerina and a sought after dance instructor, who teaches various forms of dance including ballroom dancing and swing.
So after dinner and her talk she will demonstrate some basic and fun dance steps for participants during the dance.
Fundraising at the event this year will be focused towards ongoing training and presentations in the community on sexual health and education/depression and suicide.
The society plans to continue with its bus poster advertising offering support for women in crisis pregnancy situations and develop more localized support in the Cariboo with a Crisis Pregnancy Centre Home.
The society depends on donations of support from local businesses and individuals.
The cost of sponsoring a table for the event is $120. Gift certificates or silent auction items would also be appreciated, organizers say.
People who may have items to donate or wish to sponsor a table can contact Shannon Wedel at 250-398-7939.
Tickets are available at United Carpet, the Book Bin, and Sacred Heart School.