The Women & Wellness fundraising gala held at the Elks Hall Feb. 29 was a great success with 139 women participating and raising $3,908 for the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Crisis Line and Crisis and Counselling program.
“The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive,” says event co-ordinator and local CMHA counsellor Sheila Cohen. “Numerous women commented how much they enjoyed the evening and how much it meant to them to get “pampered” with so many treats and be amongst so many wonderful women.
“Many guests stated how surprised they were entering the Elks Hall with the amazing atmosphere created by the decorating team from the sponsor group Canadian Mental Health Association, Williams Lake branch.
“And, yes, even the bathroom was touched up with candles, flowers and décor,” Cohen says.
She says Della Rauch and Karen Taylor from True Food Services spoiled the participants with delicious Hors d’oeuvres, and Lester Doskoch prepared a flambéed pear dessert and bourbon prawns.
Wine and non alcoholic drinks were served along with appetizers by the male serving crew comprised of board and staff members, and a group of teenage men who volunteered their time.
Homemade chocolates were offered, prepared by the Beta Sigma Phi Women’s group.
“Rita Corbett inspired us with her heartwarming personal story about her own family and challenging times in her life.,” Cohen says. “Janice Breck lifted our spirits with her motivational speech. And Amber Bowen, Heather and Marli Froese entertained us with piano, guitar and beautiful songs.”
Amazing door prices donated by local businesses were handed out throughout the evening, from handbags to beauty products, and gift certificates for massages. Each woman received a gift bag with treats, including homemade bath salt, a bookmark and a specialty tea bag. And at the end of the night all women were helped in their coats and handed a beautiful rose.
“Last but not least we would like to thank everyone for their donations,” Cohen says. “We raised $3,908 and the proceeds of the event will be used to support the Crisis & Counselling Program and our local Crisis Line,” Cohen says in thanking all of the sponsors for their generous support, without which they couldn’t have held the event.
“The Canadian Mental Health Association Cariboo Chilcotin Branch board and staff would like to thank all the supporters of the 2012 Women and Wellness Fundraising Gala.”