Fundraising efforts continue towards building a skate park in Blackfalds.
Spearheading the project is the Optimist Club of Blackfalds. Former President Jensye Perry said the club has been working hard for over a year to raise money to build a new skateboard park in the community.
A section of land in between the ball diamonds and the junior high school has been provided by the Town of Blackfalds for the new park. So far the group has raised $90,000 towards the in-ground park, and is working towards a $450,000 goal.
“I know that seems ambitious, but the community is generous and with the builder, we can pay as we go,” she said.
The park is still in the concept stage, but it’s planned to look similar to the Lacombe skatepark and is being built by the same crew as the north end skate park in Red Deer. If $125,000 is raised, the group may be eligible for a matching government grant and other sponsorship opportunities.
The group has also started an online auction to raise additional funds along with lining up two major fundraisers over the next two months.
The first fundraiser that will be rolled out by the club is A Princess Tea set for Feb. 28th from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Blackfalds Community Hall. Perry said last year’s tea sold out, so they’ve brought the event back. “This year we’ve moved it to a bigger venue and have double the amount of tickets,” she said. The event is aimed at all princesses age two to 10 and their parents.
Attendees can enjoy iced tea, cupcakes and cookies or make a princess hat craft.
There will be door prizes and many photo opportunities within the castle, including some with a group of Disney princess visitors. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their best princess attire, from Halloween costumes, gowns or suits and ties.
Tickets are $20 per person. A total of 225 tickets are available and only a quarter of them have been sold so far. The next fundraiser the Optimist Club has planned is a Fabulous Vegas Night in Blackfalds on March 7th at the Multiplex Banquet Room.
“The night features fun Vegas-style games,” said Perry. All of the games are played with funny money and do not feature any cash prizes.
Tickets are $50 and include a lunch, cash bar, the chance to win prizes, door prizes and silent auction items. “It’s all through donation,” explained Perry. “The grand prize is a two-night stay in Vegas with a flight voucher.”
The grand prize winner will have the choice of eight Vegas hotels to choose from.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Games run from 7 to 11 p.m. Prizes will be awarded by midnight.
“Only 100 tickets are available and we are half-way sold out,” said Perry.
All the funds raised will go directly towards the skateboard park.
For tickets, contact an Optimist Club member or Perry at 403-877-8521.