INNISFAIL – The Boob Tour through town may have been cancelled since 2019 but Innisfailians did not forget cancer victims and those who are still bravely fighting it.
A sell-out crowd packed the auditorium for the event’s return at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion Branch #104 on April 26 to help raise more than $15,000.
That total smashed all fundraising records over the event’s decade-old history in town.
“I’m tired but this is fantastic. We have never before hit over $10,000 before this record,” said Trish Proctor, event chair. “We can’t thank the community enough for the support; getting tickets, the donations and our sponsors.”
This year’s Boob Tour was the 10th in Innisfail, despite it being cancelled from 2020 to 2022 by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizers were determined to put on the best event possible in 2023. They enlisted the support and sponsorship from Field & Forge Brewing Co., which is owned by Innisfail’s Robert (Bob) and Anita Bilton.
“They're very happy with how the event is sold out, and we're happy that the people of Innisfail came out and supported this great cause,” said Jared Winder, social media and marketing administrator at Field & Forge.
Innisfailians and many out-of-town supporters snapped up all 275 tickets for the event, which cost $30 each.
All funds raised are going to Red Deer’s Central Alberta Cancer Centre (CACC). The event also raised additional monies through silent and live auctions and a 50/50 draw.
This year’s Boob Tour also featured a moving presentation from Innisfail cancer survivor Nancy Laycock.
“We all know someone who's been impacted by cancer; family, friends, and so forth,” said Red Deerian Mickey Derbyshire, who came with friend Elaine Harkness to support the CACC. “So, we’re here to make sure they get the support they need for the family members, the community.
“The ripple effect of all of that is wonderful.”
While raising monies to support those afflicted with cancer is paramount, attendees also came to enjoy a comedy show, which included Canadian award-winning comedian Dave Nystrom.
He told the Albertan that the plight of cancer victims is an issue that is personally “near and dear to my heart”, as both his parents have endured the disease and survived.
Nystrom, whose professional life is based in Calgary, said he has performed at previous cancer fundraising events.
The comedian added it’s always his hope his shows, which feature a storytelling style about his life and family, can add a healthy dose of laughter for the soul.
“I hope so. Anybody that's had to suffer through cancer themselves or a family member I can connect with them on that level because I went through it myself with both my parents,” said Nystrom. “People are here for the right reasons to support a good cause and just have a good time. It’s always fun.”
Watching it all unfold was Innisfail’s Rieberger family. They were the ones who brought the Boob Tour to town.
Seven members of the family have had cancer.
“It definitely runs in the family,” said family member Heather Verbitsky, who chatted with the Albertan with brother Ed Rieberger.
Both are cancer survivors.
“We look at the past and see our sister Rosalynne who died of cancer, and we supported a lot of Relay for Life (events) in her honour before the Boob Tour came about,” she said.
The brother and sister hope the event, especially with its 10th edition’s astounding success, will have long-lasting longevity.
“Even if we're not around to do it hopefully somebody else can pick it up and go on from there too,” said Ed. “It's all set up pretty much. It’s wouldn't take much to keep it going.
“So, hopefully it goes and goes and goes.”
