A fundraising event that launched last year in Balmoral has really taken off, and the community is now looking forward for the second annual event.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Balmoral Community Hall is once again hosting its Flight Night fundraiser from 7:30 p.m. to midnight.
“It will be very similar to last year’s event mainly because it was so well received. Last year’s event was extremely successful. We sold out a week and a half before the event and people loved it,” said Doug Carter, who serves on the Balmoral Community Hall board along with his wife Lisa.
“We immediately had people asking if we were going to do this every year. Now it’s coming back due to popular demand, but there are a few changes.”
The fundraising event will feature a cash bar with craft beers by Kilter Brewing Company and Sookrams Brewing Company. Attendees can also look forward to a cider option as well as a non-alcoholic beer.
The band Heartsleeve will be back to entertain the crowds with music that draws on multiple musical genres including folk, bluegrass and reggae. The band features Gareth McNichol-Briggs on banjo and lead vocals, Mike Chaput on bass and vocals, Greg Fehr on guitar and vocals, Mike Erb on mandolin and pedal steel and Ryan Woods on drums.
“Heartsleeve was super well received last year,” Carter said. “New this year, they will be joined by a special guest Fuller Hull, who will do the first set. Then the band will play a few sets after that.”
Fuller Hull is an alt-country, indie folk artist whose music draws from his real-life experience.
In addition to toe-tapping live bands and refreshing beverages, Flight Night will also include a snack by local caterer Prairie Fusion Catering Co., as well as a 50/50 draw and a silent auction, which is new this year.
“We’ve got some really amazing prizes. People have been super generous and helpful, so we’re really excited about that,” he said. “We’d like to thank our event sponsors for their generous support.
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He extends gratitude to Stonewall businesses Big Block Auto and Farm Supply, G and A Rentals, Home Hardware, Waring Landscape Supply and Quarry View Esso. In addition, he thanks the Bobby Hull Foundation for Children, Pine Ridge Golf Course, Gail Lamm, Leonard McKnight, Prairie Breeze Folk Art Studio, Kilter Brewing Company and Sookrams Brewing Company.
Although there’s no specific fundraising goal, the event aims to raise as much money as possible for the Balmoral Community Hall.
“We are a registered charity and our mission is to preserve, maintain and sustain the hall in its operation so that it’s available to the community,” Carter said.
“This is our annual fundraiser, so we’re hoping for the best — the more the merrier.”
Tickets cost $25 and are available to calling or texting Doug at 204-461-0489 or Lisa at 204-461-4046. Attendees must be 18 years or older.
