INNISFAIL – The Innisfail and District Food Bank has $3,864.45 extra in its kitty today to offer some holiday spirit to the town’s vulnerable thanks to the efforts of two well known local realtors.
Darcy and Nicole Blair, of The Blair Team REMAX real estate central alberta, organized the Spirited Support event that was held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 20 at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre.
“It was essentially just a way for Nicole and I to give back to the food bank,” said Blair. “Heather Taylor, the coordinator of the food bank, gave us some stats through the night. She spoke of just the need for it, especially coming up into the holiday season.
“I am definitely proud and honoured to be able to give that amount to the food bank.”
The black tie evening, which attracted 50 guests who paid $90 a ticket to support the cause, offered a Glencairn Spirited Support whisky glass for the tasting of seven different types of whiskys.
Guests were also treated with charcuterie cups of hors d'oeuvres, as well as donated chocolates.
The event showcased area and regional distilleries; Calgary’s Bridgeland Distillery, Red Deer County’s Diony Distillery, along with Troubled Monk Brewery from Red Deer.
Representatives from Innisfail’s Dark Woods Brewing were also on hand to help and support the event.
Lars Rogers, founder of the Red Deer Whisky Club, also attended to lend his whisky expertise.
Joe Whitbread of Joe Social Media was the emcee for the evening, which also featured Steve Sherman with the Downtown Jazz Trio out of Red Deer.
Along with the proceeds from the $90 ticket prices the event also had a silent auction that added to financial support for the local food bank.
“It was a great night. I think everyone that was there really enjoyed it,” said Blair, who also had the support of up to 12 volunteers. “Lots of local businesses donated. Some local realtors donated as well.
“We had a couple people from the Red Deer Whisky Club donate bottles of whisky for the silent auction, and Blair's Liquor out of Penhold helped us purchase all the liquor.”
Most importantly for the cause, added Blair, is the plan to make Spirited Support an annual event.
“Obviously, there's probably little changes in that. But for the most part it's going to stay at the learning centre,” said Blair. “It will stay in support of the Innisfail food bank. We just keep rolling with it. It was a great night.”
As for the food bank the donated $3,864.45 will help make a great start in its efforts to make the upcoming holiday season a little bit joyous for many Innisfailians.
Taylor said the proceeds will probably go mostly towards Christmas hampers, which will include either a turkey or ham.
“We serve approximately 110 clients a month; about 40 per cent of that are single people,” said Taylor. “Most of the single people we will give a ham as most don't to cook a turkey for themselves.
“So, we're thinking we'll try to get hams for the single people and turkeys for families.”
