With less than a year to organize its signature fundraising event, Share Family and Community Services is putting the call out for volunteers to join the planning committee for Imagine, 2018.
“We are looking for people with great ideas, creativity and who like thinking outside the box,” said Valerie Hutton, director of fund development for Share.
Imagine is one of the Tri-Cities’ most anticipated fundraising events, raising over $100,000 for community programs that help the most vulnerable, from seniors to children to newcomers.
With its focus on creativity and imagination, Imagine has become an important event on the social calendar. But to continue the tradition of wowing guests with a pre- and post-reception, entertainment and a live and silent auction — as well as an original theme — Share needs people to help plan some of the components.
“We are looking to add new energy to the group," she said.
The advisory committee assists with the oversight, planning and execution of the March 10 event, which will be held the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver Molson Theatre.
It is made up of members of the community who share an interest in volunteering and who have expertise in marketing, event management, sales and communication, and share a passion for the community.
The commitment is for approximately seven months, for four to 12 hours per month, with the time required increasing as the event date approaches.
Hutton said without the funds raised by Imagine, which has been around for about 12 years, many programs that are local institutions, such as the food bank, wouldn’t exist.
“We get no provincial, federal or municipal funding for the food bank,” Hutton noted.
As well, the money raised helps support community programs such as after-school programs for children, parent and tot drop-ins, English practice groups and a seniors group for older food bank users.
“That’s a real area of growth for Share,” Hutton said, pointing out that the group of seniors comes once a week on Fridays for tea and conversation, picking up their hampers at the end of the get-together in a safe and stress-free environment.
“They don’t have to battle with the crowds you would normally see on food bank day,” Hutton said, adding that the program also helps reduce isolation for impoverished seniors.
With food bank usage holding steady and a growing population, Share finds its resources increasingly stretched to provide services. But thanks to Imagine, many of the gaps are filled, with dollars raised ensuring these programs keep running, Hutton said.
“These are the sorts of things that really meet the community at ground level.”
Those interested in participating in the Imagine fundraising committee or learning more about this volunteer opportunity can contact Hutton at [email protected] or by calling 604-529-5119.
