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Elegant evening for hospice

Red Deer Hospice Society was able to maintain ticket sales for its annual Spring Gala held on Thursday despite a change of date.
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Red Deer Hospice Gala volunteers Barb Billings

Red Deer Hospice Society was able to maintain ticket sales for its annual Spring Gala held on Thursday despite a change of date.

The 10th annual event, originally scheduled for March 3, was moved to the Capri Centre after the roof over the Red Deer Lodge ballroom collapsed on Feb. 12.

About 430 tickets were sold, which is comparable to last year.

Moving it to the bigger venue, the hospice society hoped to increase ticket sales.

Brenda Watts, executive director of Red Deer Hospice, said some people had to back out because of the date change. Holding it during spring break also hurt sales, she said.

“It takes a lot of parents away from the community. That was something we were up against,” said Debra Petty, a member of the hospice gala committee.

The gala is the major fundraiser for the non-profit that provides compassionate care for terminal patients and support for family and friends. Last year, 76 patients stayed at the hospice, at 99 Arnot Ave.

“What makes the hospice gala stand out is it’s a very elegant evening. The whole ambience is set from the time you walk in the door. The committee does a really good job,” Watts said.

About two-thirds of ticket buyers have supported the event for many years, she said.

“We have a core group of very loyal hospice supporters.”

As more people use the hospice, their friends and family also become aware of the facility and donate, so the recession had less of an impact on the hospice compared to other non-profits, Watts said.

As well, memorial donations have become a larger part of its budget. For more information about Red Deer Hospice, visit www.reddeerhospice.com.

szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com