Rimbey Victim Services’ first major fundraiser will give the community a chance to swing into Valentine’s Day with all the pomp and splendor of the big band era.
The Big Band Valentine Gala fundraiser, coming to Rimbey Community Centre, on Feb. 9, promises an opportunity to experience all the romance of Valentine’s Day while supporting a worthy cause.
The semi-formal gala will get underway at 6 p.m. with cocktails, followed by a full course meal with prime rib and salmon.
The dance will kick off at 8:30 p.m. and will feature The Flatiron Jazz Orchestra from Lacombe. This well-known 17-piece band’s musical repertoire has a wide and delightful range and, no doubt, the melodies they will perform will persuade even the most reluctant person to put on their dancing shoes and dance the night away.
“They are a jazz band, but they do all kinds of music,” said Rebekah Seidel, chairperson of Rimbey & District Victim Services. “They are very well known in the area.”
She said the fundraiser has received good response from the public.
“It has been a huge success so far. We have most of our tickets sold.”
Seidel said the gala, which includes a silent auction, could become an annual event.
Rimbey & District Victim Services Society is a non-profit, police-based organization that assists the police in providing support, information and referrals to victims of crime, tragic or traumatic circumstances and disaster.
Victim Services also participates in community education and awareness raising programs, providing valuable information to the general population on topics such as bullying, suicide, domestic violence, Internet safety and healthy relationships in teen dating.
The organization operates with a paid coordinator and a volunteer board of directors made up of community members.
Volunteer advocates offer support to victims in the community.