If you’re wanting to dust off a cowboy hat, tuck into some ribs and learn how to line dance, a philanthropic group in Coquitlam has just the answer for your country hankerings.
Tickets are now on sale for the Coquitlam Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year: Kickin’ It Country, a buckaroo-themed bash taking place on Friday, April 26 at the All Saints Parish Hall in Coquitlam.
Co-organizer and board director Linda Meneghello said the fourth annual event will be catered by Bert Arciaga, a chef at the Renaissance Hotel and Glen Pine Pavilion — a seniors complex in Coquitlam — and the culinary instructor at Gleneagle secondary.
He’ll serve a three-course meal that includes ribs, chicken and vegetarian options plus some fixings.
As well, an Adesa auctioneer will be on hand to take live bids for prizes donated by companies with Tri-City connections:
• 10 gift cards from Coquitlam Centre, valued at $100 each;
• two packages for foreign language lessons from Europa Language School;
• a night stay and golf round at Predator Ridge in Vernon, courtesy of Wesbild Holdings;
• an overnight package in Victoria;
• Rona patio furniture; a package from Angelo’s Salon and Spa;
• and a Kate Spade purse given by Lawyers West.
Guests can also place their bids for silent auction gift baskets during the night.
Meanwhile, for entertainment, visitors can work off their feast by taking part in a line dance, guided by two instructors, or boogie to tunes provided by Coquitlam musician Tony Prophet and a DJ.
Last year’s fundraiser brought in about $15,000 for the foundation’s operations, said executive director Dwight Yochim.
Founded in 1992, the Coquitlam Foundation manages 30 endowment funds for individuals and non-profit groups. Currently, it has around $3.2 million in its coffers and, over the past quarter century, has distributed more than $1 million in grants, bursaries and scholarships.
Last June, the foundation handed out $43,400 in bursaries and scholarships to 53 recipients from the Symington Endowment Fund, the Trevor Wingrove Bursary Fund and the Rotary Club Community Service Award Fund, among others. It also gave $40,050 in grants to 15 organizations such as the Glen Pine 50plus Society’s Leisure Connections program for a dementia and Alzheimer’s support group.
Its next annual awards celebration is June 20.
For tickets to Kickin’ It Country, visit coquitlamfoundation.com. The event is sponsored in part by The Tri-City News.
