Organizer pleased with response to gala

By Rob Vogt
Local Press Writer

The 15th annual Claresholm and District Health Foundation Gala has moved to an at-home event for the second straight year, but the organizer is pleased with the response and, although the deadline to participate has passed, there are other ways to support the foundation.

“We’re grateful to the community getting behind all the changes we made around the gala,” said Tara Bishoff, executive director of the health foundation. “We’re really excited about people embracing it and supporting it in the awesome way they have.”
Traditionally, the gala is billed as “a night on the town in town” with a banquet and live entertainment at the community centre.
However, to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the event has
become a gala at home on Nov. 19 and 20.
People order their meals in advance and take them out to enjoy as they wish.
This year’s menu is prime rib with baked potato and all the fixings, vegetable, bun and choice of dessert.
Last year, the gala sold out in its first year as a gala at home, and this year 106 meals have been sold.
Bishoff said if people still want to support the health foundation they can do so by taking part in a free oil-change fundraiser at Davis Chev on Nov. 26, or participate in the health foundation’s online 50/50 draw.
Anyone interested in participating in the 50/50 draw can do so by visiting www.cdhealth.ca, clicking on “Gala 2021” then “Gala 2021 Progressive 50/50”.
The draw will take place on Nov. 21.
Bishoff also encourages anyone who wants updates and information from the foundation to provide their email address.
Proceeds from fundraising go to purchasing two ceiling lifts and a digital x-ray upgrade at Claresholm General Hospital, and wayfinding signs for the Willow Creek Continuing Care Centre, for a total of $24,200.
Anyone interested in more information can contact Tara Bishoff at
403-682-3739.