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Lacombe Athletic Park Association gala returns with success

The totals are not quite official yet but the Lacombe Athletic Park Association (LAPA) is reporting over $70,000 raised during their annual gala.
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(Submitted)

The totals are not quite official yet but the Lacombe Athletic Park Association (LAPA) is reporting over $70,000 raised during their annual gala.

The afternoon of Mar. 5, kicked off with an autograph signing with celebrity guests CFL stars Calvin McCarty, Tanner Green, and Cole Nelson. Players from Lacombe Minor Football and some folks even travelled all the way from Airdrie to meet their football heroes.

Hill said it was heartwarming to see the kids so happy to be interacting with such great role models.

“It reminded us that they are the reason we exist as an Association in the first place.”

That evening over 300 guests donned their best disco duds and jerseys for an evening of hilarious entertainment by Gery Schubert at the Lacombe Memorial Centre.

Last year the gala was disrupted, like many events, due to COVID.

“Planning an event of this size during the uncertainty of a pandemic was interesting, to say the least,” said Delany Hill, LAPA special events coordinator. “In the early stages, it was almost impossible to predict how things were going to turn out, but we decided to keep working at it and hope for the best.”

The evening had silent auctions, entertainment, special guests and a catered meal.

Hill said an anonymous supporter donated a table so that LAPA could invite a group of front line health care workers to come out and enjoy themselves for the evening as well.

All the fun will help raise funds for LAPA Phase 2 expansion which is focused on the running track and field infrastructure.

“We really couldn’t have asked for a better turnout considering the times, and we are so thankful to have the support of the community.”

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Over 300 guests dawned their best disco duds and jerseys for an evening of hilarious entertainment during the LAPA Gala.(Submitted)