JC (left) and Andy Plett from the Oliver band Room to Dance will be performing at the Osoyoos Child Care Centre’s first-ever Harvest Dinner and Dance on Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Sonora Community Centre. The evening will include a delicious dinner and a silent auction followed by a romping dance party, with part of the proceeds going to the Osoyoos Child Care Centre as well as other community organizations and projects. Photo supplied.
The Osoyoos Child Care Centre is hoping to raise some funds and fill some bellies all at the same time with the first-ever Harvest Dinner and Dance on Saturday, Nov. 3.
“Childcare is expensive and it can put a real burden on families, so in order to keep our operating costs as low as possible, it is important for us to fundraise,” said Cheryl Smith, manager at the Osoyoos Child Care Centre. “So this is just an attempt for us to meet our fundraising goals and do what we can do in order to keep fees affordable for the families.”
The event is being held at the Sonora Community Centre and will begin with a dinner prepared by chef Troy Bratton from TDC Catering in Osoyoos. The dinner will be followed by a romping dance with the musical stylings of Oliver’s own Room to Dance.
“We are having roast beef, roasted chicken breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, penne pasta, salad and pan-roasted veggies,” said Smith. “And we’re also setting up a candy table for snacks later on.”
There will also be a silent auction, which Smith said is already getting tremendous support from the business community.
“A lot of local businesses have been super generous,” she said. “So far we’ve got a snowboard, a Homer Simpson skateboard, a gift pack from Shoppers (Drug Mart), wine, gift certificates, pedicure stuff, a couple Curves’ memberships and there is still lots of stuff coming in. It’s being really well received so far.”
While a part of the proceeds from the dinner will be going to the Osoyoos Child Care Centre, Smith said a portion will also be donated to the proposed splash park as well as the Osoyoos Royalty and the dry grad program at Osoyoos Secondary School.
“This is also a way for us to support other stuff in the community, like the splash park, which children in our program would definitely benefit from,” said Smith.
The inaugural Harvest Dinner and Dance will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner begins at 7 p.m. and the dance runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Tickets are on sale now for $30 and can be purchased at Imperial Office Pro, Pharmasave, the Sonora Community Centre and/or the Osoyoos Child Care Centre.
Based on this year’s response, Smith said she is hoping to make this an annual event in Osoyoos.
“We’re hoping it will become a successful fundraiser for us and hopefully become something we can do every year,” she said.
