The Moose Jaw Events Centre was animated late April 12 as the Moose Jaw Warriors played the first game of the playoff series against the Swift Current Broncos and, simultaneously, Heartland Hospice announced its fundraising campaign had reached $809,000 out of a $1 million target during the Spurs and Stilettos Cabaret.
All said, Spurs and Stilettos raised an impressive $28,500, with the inclusion of a $2,500 sponsorship from Young’s Equipment Moose Jaw and $5,000 from BASF (Badische Anilin- und Sodafabrik). The event marked the largest to-date fundraiser by Heartland Hospice and the organization’s vice-chair, Sara Bryan, said she’s happy with the result.
“We were extremely happy with how Spurs and Stilettos went as it was our first event of that size,” she said, noting the attendance of 330 individuals. “We hope everyone had fun and enjoyed dancing the night away to Saskatchewan legends the Johner Brothers!”
Bryan said she learned a few minor lessons but the night was viewed as a success.
“Overall, we were blown away by the support from the community given all the activities going on around the same time…
“We are indeed blessed to live in the community of Moose Jaw,” she added.
Angela Sereda, chair of Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw, had a vision to create the non-profit back in November 2014 after fighting for a local hospice program. This vision was inspired by the journey of Arlene Kolosky, who in 2013 recognized the need for such a program in Moose Jaw.
The cabaret helped raise proceeds for the Heartland Hospice Capital Campaign. Once the goal of $1 million has been raised, the organization will be able to complete the Pioneer Lodge hospice care project.
Before an updated figure can be confirmed, the Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie campaign results will need to be tallied with results expected by around mid-week. With proceeds from the Spurs and Stilettos cabaret and a recent $5,000 donation from a supporter who wishes to remain anonymous, the campaign is now at $845,000 pending this adjustment.
To raise the $155,000 remainder to complete the budget for furniture and equipment, renovations, the home’s Serenity Garden expansion and other projects, Heartland Hospice has a few ideas in mind.
The organization now has a selection of hand-made Vietnamese silk and bamboo lanterns for sale through its website with one listed for $30 or two for $50. Proceeds from these sales will help raise funds while the non-profit navigates a fairly quiet summer season.
Aside from this initiative, Heartland Hospice will see its next major fundraiser take place in the fall with details to follow.
Bryan wished to thank Heartland Hospices’ past and present board members who represented the last decade of the organization in attendance at the cabaret, frontline workers from Pioneer Lodge, the organization’s latest major donor the Medavie Foundation, as well as previous major donors.
She also wished to thank event sponsors Young’s Equipment Moose Jaw and BASF, the Ministry of Health, and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, who are both ongoing community partners of Heartland Hospice.
“We continue to be humbled and touched by the generosity and support from our community,” she concluded in a message of appreciation.
To support Heartland Hospice through its lantern sales, to donate, or to learn more about the organization’s work in the community, visit HeartlandHospiceMJ.ca or call 306-690-8699.
You can follow Heartland Hospice on Facebook at ‘Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw’ for ongoing updates and announcements.
