Organizers are expecting another sold-out venue for one of the premier annual social events in Osoyoos when the Grand Night event returns for the seventh year on Jan. 21.
“It’s definitely one of the most anticipated social events of the year,” said Sandy Summers, co-chair of the Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre, which has organized and sponsored the event since its inception.
“It’s a great night of fun and entertainment which helps a very good cause and it’s a great way to start off the new year here in Osoyoos.”
All proceeds from the event go towards programs run by Desert Sun, with proceeds from the 2012 fundraising event going to support the local women’s shelter, called Safe Home, said Summers.
The theme for this year’s event is A Sparkling Affair, as local wineries have donated a large variety of sparkling wines, which will be taste tested by the 120 in attendance, said Summers.
“Local wineries have been very supportive of this event in past years, so we decided to showcase their products for this year’s event,” she said.
Another regular feature of the Grand Night event, which sees one lucky ticket holder take home $1,000 or a grand just for attending, is the meal prepared by local chefs from some of the area’s top resorts and restaurants, said Summers.
Featured special guest chefs will include Jeremy Luypen from Terrafina, Natasha Schooten from the Watermark Beach Resort, Liam McNulty from Nk’Mip Cellars and Justin Paakkunainer from the Walnut Beach Resort.
“The food is going to be phenomenal as usual,” said Summers. “We’re always excited to get these professional chefs involved with our event. They volunteer their time to prepare the amazing food that is served over the course of the evening. Each of the chefs prepares a different course and it makes for an amazing meal.”
Desert Sun runs numerous programs for area citizens and do so with a skeleton staff, so the money raised from the Grand Night event is very much needed and appreciated, said Summers.
Besides operating Safe Home, Desert Sun offers counselling services for men and women, a community kitchen and garden, community action plan for children, healthy relationships counselling, a community outreach program with the local school district, drugs and alcohol counselling for students and adults and violence prevention program.
“We deliver a ton of services in this community with very limited resources, so we have to raise a significant amount of funding ourselves and events like this go a long way in allowing us to continue to deliver the programs and services we offer,” said Summers.
While Osoyoos is “notoriously a last minute town”, Summers again expects Grand Night to be sold out.
“We still have some tickets remaining, but we do expect another sell-out as has been the case in previous years,” she said. “It’s a wonderful evening of good food and great wine and we expect another successful event.”
The evening will also feature a formal dinner and dance and silent auction.
The event will be held at the Watermark Beach Resort. Anyone attending can get a free ride home to Osoyoos or Oliver as a shuttle bus will be operating.
Those purchasing tickets can also get a one-bedroom suite at the Watermark starting at only $79 for the evening.
Tickets can be purchased locally at the Imperial Office Pro on Main Street or by contacting Desert Sun at 250-495-2538.
