The Sparkle Spring Gala, the third annual fundraising gala for the Community Resource Centre (CRC), descended upon the Heritage Centre in Niverville on Friday, May 10. Hundreds of guests showed up for the chance to contribute to a worthy cause—and have a good time doing it.
The gala came on the heels of the project receiving $16.3 million in major grants from all levels of government last month. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $7.8 million, the Province of Manitoba is providing up to $3.5 million, and the Town of Niverville is kicking in $5 million.
That still leaves about $3 million to be raised through local fundraising efforts like the annual gala.
The evening started out with an hour-long craft beer tasting in the atrium, compliments of the TransCanada Brewing Company. Guests then made their way into the ballroom for a prime rib dinner.
Libby Hanna, co-chair of the CRC’s fundraising committee, emceed the program. Mayor Myron Dyck delivered some remarks updating the guests on the progress of the CRC, which is already under construction next to the Niverville High School and the existing arena. The crowd also heard from Ron Schuler, an MLA who will be running for the Progressive Conservatives to represent Niverville in the next provincial election.
The other fundraising committee co-chair, Clarence Braun, oversaw a couple of cheque presentations. The Niverville Credit Union donated $75,000 and Hub Insurance/Wawanesa Insurance/Ray and Cara Dowse collectively donated $30,000.
One of the new fundraising initiatives introduced at the gala is the Builder’s Seat option, whereby members of the community can donate $1,000 to sponsor a seat in either the fieldhouse or the new arena. The names of these individuals will be featured on a prominent Donor Wall when the facility is completed.
The bread and butter of the evening’s fundraising activities involved both a live and silent auction. Fifty-seven different businesses and individuals from the community contributed prizes, including 31 for the silent auction and 12 for the live auction. In addition, a separate raffle gave guests the opportunity to win beer, wine, and a Yeti cooler.
After the main program, people danced the night away, with local cover band Last Call playing several sets.
According to the fundraising committee, this year’s gala resulted in about $33,000 of revenue, not including the cheques that were presented during the program.