In a show of support for the people and City of Fort McMurray, the Okanagan Mission Community Hall Association (OMCHA) will donate 50 per cent of all proceeds from their upcoming 鈥淩aise the Roof鈥� Spring Barn Dance to benefit the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
鈥淎s a registered charity hall, the popular dance and silent auction were already planned in support of some much needed hall renovations,鈥� said manager Beverly Dawe.
鈥淚n the past, we鈥檝e brought in an average $5,000 per fundraiser, and we鈥檙e hoping to provide at least that to Fort McMurray this time.鈥�
鈥淲ith an estimated 88,000 people displaced and 1,600 homes or structures lost to Fort McMurray鈥檚 nearly 85,000 hectare fire, the OMCHA wanted to help,鈥� said Dawe.
鈥淥ur association and community value the support Red Cross provides to those in need, and this is our way of saying 鈥榯hank-you鈥� to such a great organization.鈥�
The Raise the Roof! dance and silent auction takes place Saturday May 14 at the 鈥淩ed Barn鈥� Okanagan Mission Community Hall, 4409 Lakeshore Rd. at the corner of Dehart and Lakeshore roads.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the band ReX starting at 8 p.m.
There will be a cash bar for everyone 19 years of age and up.
Tickets are $20 online at www.okmissionhall.com or buy them at Green & Bear It, 4600 Lakeshore Rd, or the Okanagan Mission Hall Office, 4409 Lakeshore Rd.
250-764-7477, okmissionhall@shawlink.ca, www.facebook.com/OKMission.
The Okanagan Mission Community Hall Association began in 1907 with the first meeting being held in the home of W.D. Walker, and W.D. Hobson being elected its first president. An acre of land was then obtained where the hall now stands. In 1938, following the collapse of the Grower's Exchange Packing House roof, a Community Hall was constructed in its place and a dance was held. With nearly 300 people in attendance, they danced to the orchestra of Charles Penman. A second hall was later built, and in 2009, oxblood coloured siding was installed on the Hall鈥檚 exterior to reflect the heritage "red barn" colour scheme. Six outdoor tennis courts also exist where members enjoy club tournaments, fun leagues (ladies', men's and mixed doubles) and the very popular club socials. Tennis has been played at Mission Tennis for over 100 years.
