Chilliwack Community Services is inviting people to welcome spring in Scottish style this Saturday – and help local children and their families at the same time.
The agency, which has helped make Chilliwack be a more caring place since 1928, is hosting its 20th annual Gala Fundraising Dinner at the Coast Hotel on May 5. Proceeds from this “Scottish Salute to Spring” will go towards CCS’s early years programs.
It’s a black tie affair, but kilts are more than welcome.
The evening will feature a special meal prepared by the Coast’s award-winning chef Tony Heesterman. And for dessert, guests will experience the unique pairings of chocolate and scotch whiskey under the professional guidance of whiskey connoisseur Marcus Van Albrecht.
There will be a silent auction, with the successful bids supporting the CCS’s early years programing.
Those programs focus on the families with children up to age six – the key formative years of a person’s life. They include:
• Family Place – friendly drop-in and parenting education for families with children ages 0 to 6
• Central Gateway – parenting education and adult education upgrading; preschool and child care on site
• Family Literacy – promoting literacy skills for all family members
• Better Beginnings – prenatal nutrition for expecting mothers
According to CCS, the programs promote the importance of sharing, growing, and belonging; the importance of a healthy beginning for babies; the importance of early child development; the importance of being able to nurture and protect; the importance of wisdom shared from one generation to the next; and most important, acceptance despite our differences. And all are dependent on the generous spirit and goodwill of others.
Dancing will cap off the evening, with music provided by “Piper Down” – a band from Abbotsford that blends traditional folk, country, contemporary, sea shanties, instrumental and cleverly crafted humour.
Tickets are $125 each and available at Chilliwack Community Services’ Downtown Office, 45938 Wellington Avenue (604-792-4267.)
“So don your kilt,” says CCS, “call your friends, and reel your way over to the Coast Hotel to enjoy some good old Scottish hospitality this Saturday.”