Sandra Parsons explained her late husband, Rob Maar, was a tireless supporter of kids with serious medical conditions.
The Coquitlam realtor is set to honour his memory by hosting her annual fundraiser for the Zajac Ranch for Children next month, which will mark seven years and 7,000 kids to the Mission, B.C., camp.
The theme for 2023: casino night.
Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, located at 2080 United Blvd. in Coquitlam, will host Parsons' event on Sept. 16, which is eyeing a $10,000 fundraising goal to give more youth with chronic conditions the chance to grow and play.
"Rob was always wanting to give back and particularly to causes helping children in need in B.C.," Parsons said in a statement provided to the Tri-City News.
"Attendees at this event can expect a fun night of blackjack, bingo, silent auction prizes and entertainment and at the same time contributing to an amazing cause."
The money collected will go towards camp fees for summer 2024, according to Zajac Ranch for Children chairman Mel Zajac.
The 95-year-old B.C. philanthropist said he's honoured to support Parsons, especially for her late husband's legacy of "compassion, love, and life-changing camp experiences."
"This is always a highly energetic, fun event and we encourage more people from Coquitlam and beyond to attend," he added.
"I have always held the belief that every child should get to go to summer camp and with the power of community we should work on this together."
Zajac Ranch is a 41-acre camp site that opened in 2004 near Stave Lake, and includes adaptive water sports, horseback riding, hiking and theatre activities.
According to the organization, roughly 500 children attend each year whom all have some form of disability or serious medical condition.
This has included gastrointestinal disorders, autism, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, cerebral palsy and visual impairments.
Casino Night for Zajac Ranch, co-hosted by Parsons and the HomePro RE/MAX real estate team, is scheduled for Sept. 16 starting at 6 p.m. at Hard Rock Casino.
Tickets are $100 each and includes one free glass of champagne punch, delectable canapes and charcuterie. Early birds can get a $25 discount while quantities last.
For more information, to donate or to purchase tickets, you can visit the Zajac Ranch for Children website or the Casino Night Eventbrite page.
