The Red Deer Hospice Society is throwing its annual gala — but people better not show up.
That’s because the society’s 2019 No Show Gala is actually a lottery, with prizes such as a luxury vacation in Mexico, an NHL game package and a Calgary Stampede concert.
“Basically, it’s a raffle that we wanted to have a little more fun with. If you go on our website, we have a fun video explaining it,” said hospice event co-ordinator Lori Dufresne.
She said the hospice has been throwing galas since 2005, and while they have been successful, raising between $100,000 and $160,000, there are a lot of costs and effort that go into throwing the events.
If all 4,000 of the $25 lottery tickets are sold, $100,000 will be raised for the 15,000-square-foot expansion project and hospice operational costs, she said.
“We wanted to do something a little more grassroots. It’s a chance to reach all our supporters at every level. People who traditionally attended the gala and are used to buying a $200 ticket are buying multiple (lottery tickets).”
Prizes include:
- Toronto Maple Leaf game and Hockey Night in Canada studio tour;
- Seven-day vacation in Nuevo Vallarta or the Mayan Riviera (condo sleeps six and includes golf and massage certificates);
- Calgary Stampede concert tickets, dinner and all beverages included for 12 guests.
The early bird prize is a goal judge experience for four at the Calgary Flames 2019 season opener, which includes seats directly behind the goalie, in-seat service, a reserved table in the Chrysler Club dining room, reserved parking at Scotiabank Saddledome, a Calgary Flames named and numbered jersey for each guest, and a meet and greet with Flames players after the game.
Tickets must be purchased by Jan. 31 to be eligible for the early bird prize.
The winner of the early bird draw on Feb. 1 will still be eligible for the main draw on May 5, to be held at the Run/Hike for Hospice at Kerry Wood Nature Centre.
Dufresne said tickets will be available at the hospice reception desk until 4 p.m. Christmas Eve, so they can be stuffed into Christmas stockings.
The lottery campaign will run for six months in honour of the six new rooms in the addition.
For more information on Red Deer Hospice and to purchase No Show Gala tickets, visit www.reddeerhospice.com or call Red Deer Hospice at 403-309-4344.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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