When it comes to prominent service clubs' annual galas, you can't beat the Beer and Bean Bash. It is a joint production put on by the two local Lions chapters: the Host and the Breakfast Clubs. It features a late meal of chilli with an auction followed by a dance.
Co-chair Dave Hiatt explained the casual elegance is what distinguishes this apart from other fancy affairs.
"It's a very low-key event — come as you are. Come casual," he emphasized, adding that you don't need to dress formal to enjoy the evening and help make a difference in the community. "Bring your friends and have some fun."
He suggested that people leave the black ties at home and just wear jeans.
Keeping it simple goes a long way to bringing out a capacity crowd of 200. This year's silent auction also features various items including sportswear and gear, as well as artwork, all donated by local businesses.
This year's goal is to raise $5,000, identical to last year's result. Each ticket costs $20 and all funds go towards supporting St. Albert Victim Services and the Lions Park Renewal Project. The event, now in its 19th year, will be held on Feb. 27 at the St. Albert Community Centre.
Call Hiatt at 780-459-4144 for more information.
Local youth asking for help
Balbina Fernández, a Grade 5 student at Ronald Harvey, is asking for your help in compiling a major donation of goods to Escuela F 249 in the town of Quinchamali, Chile.
She will be travelling there in April with her father, Victor, on a joint humanitarian mission co-ordinated by Canadian Aid for Fire Services Abroad. The organization helps take decommissioned but still functional firefighting equipment and donate it where it is needed in underdeveloped nations.
Fernández is pretty proud of his daughter.
"This is an example for everybody to realize that the kids do what the parents do," he said. "They're always watching us and they do what comes naturally. This is the future of Canada. This is a prime example of that. I'm extremely proud and I know that she can pull it off."
While Victor is there to oversee the final transfer of a fire truck, Balbina wanted to do what she could to help out the struggling school. It has 11 classrooms but only four have wood-burning stoves for heat. In the winter the cold, humid atmosphere makes for an even more difficult learning environment.
Apart from regular school supplies, winter clothes and sports equipment (like soccer balls), Balbina is looking to accumulate six wood-burning stoves, four axes and materials for a new roof for the school. If you would like to help, please call 780-459-5541 to talk to principal Janet Tripp at Ronald Harvey.
