The St. Albert Seniors Association once more hosts its major annual fundraiser as an entertaining and educational evening to wine and dine.
This year’s theme is An Evening in Paris, held at Red Willow Place on Saturday, Nov. 2. Clint Zaifdeen, professional sommelier and manager at Wine and Beyond, partners with Jackie Fookes Catering for an evening of palette-pleasing Parisian delights.
Fookes’ five-course dinner of tapa-sized servings will be paired with a Zaifdeen’s menu of diverse French red and white wines. Priya Winsor, founder of Compass Chocolates, is also donating ethical and sustainable hand-crafted take-home truffles.
“Every person who comes in with a ticket will be greeted with a bubbly glass of cremant, a glass of sparkling wine. That’s a French description for a bubbling wine,” said co-organizer Kerri Akins. “Last year we had lots of smiles, and everybody had a good time.”
In 2023, the 55 plus centre raised $14,000. Given nationwide financial concerns, organizers are hoping to maintain last year’s goal.
In addition, an introduction to French cuisine and wines, organizers have planned a series of events including a silent and live auction. Former Mayor Nolan Crouse will be on stage calling bids of auction items that have reached close to $8,000 in total value.
They include a legal package, wines, a watch, limo evening package, Oilers tickets, Oilers jerseys, St. Albert Dinner Theatre tickets, golf certificate, massage certificates and dinner for 20 at the Canadian Brewhouse to name a few.
The five-course dinner is estimated to last 90 minutes and will be served by volunteers.
“Without our volunteers, nothing could take place,” said co-organizer Sue Hobson.
Funds raised from the French-styled dinner will support social events, Meals on Wheels for shut-ins, a door-to-door bus service, educational breakfast talks, meditation classes and recreational activities such as Pilates, yoga and Zumba.
Doors open 6 p.m. at Red Willow Place, 7 Tache Street. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person or $600 for a table of eight. To reserve, call the St. Albert Senior Association at 780-459-0433.
