The historic Bentley Community Hall board has staged two fundraisers in less than two weeks so the hall board members and volunteers have been very busy in the last month.
Although not as profitable as was hoped, both raised awareness of the hall and the hard working board, and both made good use of the hall's recently approved basement kitchen.
Pancakes, sausages, and eggs were cooked and served to over 50 adults with 10 children at a pancake breakfast the morning of May 17 earning the hall a profit of just over $200.
Volunteers doing the cooking included Arnold and Betty Kubista, Phil and Arlene Walton, Gail Wilson, and Mona Kubista, with Bonnie Pacholko serving, Cora Knutson manning the door, and with set-up help from Michelle Diamond.
For the second fundraiser, just over 40 tickets were sold for ‘The Great Plains’ performance on May 30 with the musical and vocal talents of Darrel Delaronde and Saskia Overbeek from Courtenay, BC.
The musical duo have traveled and entertained extensively across Canada and in Western Europe. They describe themselves as a folk/roots singer-songwriter from a Dutch background (Saskia) and a blues-rock guitar playing Métis from Saskatchewan (Darrel). The pure pleasure and joy of sharing their music shone through.
Their wholesome songs based on true-to-life prairie culture and history personally touch everyone who has memories of growing up in Canada.
They presented impressive original songs with some humor thrown in. and shared personal stories even down to Darrel explaining about his very expensive Italian shoes that are not made for walking in, and how when kids leave home some families will leave the porch light on.
Saskia also demonstrated her remarkable yodeling prowess as well as her French with a Dutch accent.
They are truly classy Canadian entertainers and even included a tribute to Stompin' Tom Connors and his stay-true-to-Canadian beliefs.
The duo appears in different rural towns, big cities, at festivals, folk clubs, and even churches. The two inspiring performers are equally at home whether at a small hall, or the Calgary Stampede, at the Rosebud Theatre, or a Canadian embassy.
Some of their CD's were for sale, and another one that they are recording this month will include some of the songs they performed throughout the evening.
Check out their website at www.thegreatplains.ca or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.
A lot of people missed out on a wonderful evening of music, fun and stories, and good-natured, down-to-earth, easy listening entertainment.
During a short intermission a variety of phenomenal homemade baking was offered for sale. The brownies, pie, and cinnamon buns had been made in the hall's kitchen by Mona Kubista and Bonnie Pacholko ahead of time. They also helped during the event along with Colleen McNaught, Michelle Diamond, and Vera Boettger.
Hanging flower basket door prizes were won by Joan Beamish and Shirley Sawyer.
This event garnered another approximately $270 for the hall.
Tickets had been available at the Bentley IDA Pharmacy and Koda Kountry Gems N' Things and at the door.
Future fundraisers being considered include another pancake breakfast and, because of the positive feedback following the concert, possibly bringing The Great Plains back again next year.
Current volunteer hall executive are president Phil Walton, vice president Colleen McNaught, secretary / treasurer Mona Kubista, casino chair Vera Boettger and director Arnold Kubista.
For more information about the Bentley Community Hall or to book it call 403-396-8773 or 403-748-3835.For more information about the Bentley Community Hall or to book it call 403-396-8773 or 403-748-3835.