The fourth annual Dixie for RASTA fundraiser fell well short of its goal, but everyone who attended the event at the Chemainus United Church had an enjoyable time.
Lucie Cerny, founder of the Rescue and Sanctuary for Threatened Animals at 9233 Chemainus Rd., reported the event only reached about 50 per cent of its intended $10,000 goal to help build a new barn on the site.
There was much on the agenda to enjoy, something to keep in mind next year for those who didn’t make it.
“For the event we had a ton of really awesome silent auction prizes, with over 100 up for grabs,” noted Cerny. “A great selection of bake sale goodies, a fabulous slide show featuring hundreds of beautiful pics of our animals, our friends The Very Good Butchers were cooking up a storm all afternoon and the Free Radical Dixie Band provided our guests with fun, lively entertainment.
“This year the weather even cooperated - there was no snowstorm to contend with - as the sun was shining and it was an absolutely gorgeous day. All the ingredients were there for a truly spectacular event, but unfortunately our attendance ended up being a bit lower than we’d hoped. On the positive side, those of our supporters who were able to make it scored themselves some super smokin’ deals on auction prizes.”
Cerny noted a total of 75 people attended.
“Though our attendance was a bit lower than hoped, it was a very positive event and it was truly heartwarming to see so much love and support for RASTA and the animals,” she added.
Cerny was grateful to so many for their efforts, including: The Free Radical Dixie Band for once again most generously donating its time for the fourth year in a row; The Very Good Butchers for being part of the event again and donating 30 per cent of the meal proceeds to the sanctuary; and the small but powerful army of volunteers who donated baking, computer skills and expertise, time and effort.
“Many, many months of planning and prep work go into creating our annual fundraiser and none of it would be possible without our most amazing team of volunteers,” Cerny praised.
There are already some ideas circulating for next year to raise more money, including a 50-50 draw.
