Officials at the Olds branch of the Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre are still hopeful they'll hit this year's $50,000 fundraising target.
As of last week, they'd raised about $43,000 via their annual "Light for the Journey" fundraising banquet, held March 7 at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites. About 320 people attended.
Last year's banquet raised $48,000.
Cindy Palin, director of the Olds branch of the Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre, is grateful for this year's donations, especially given the current poor economy.
Each year organizers approach businesses to sponsor tables so attendees can eat for free.
Palin said this year, 29 out of 32 tables were sponsored.
"We had a full house this year. And most of the tables were sponsored this year, so that was incredible, especially when the economic layout of the land right now is not really terrific," Palin said during an interview with the Albertan. "People were so generous.
"Every year the budget fluctuates. So every year the tables can be a different amount. But this year it was $450 for a table sponsorship and I was really, really moved at how many people came forward and said that they'd be happy to do that. It was just terrific."
Palin said the banquet is the branch's "one and only fundraiser."
Several speakers, including Mayor Michael Muzychka addressed the crowd.
Artist Gwen Day painted a piece live, which was then offered for sale during a live auction at the end of the evening.
Lars Jonsson provided live music and assisted with audiovisual functions.
Attendees were also able to bid on items displayed in a silent auction.
