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Butt helps schools foundation raise $35,000 for programs

A night of humour featuring comedian Brent Butt had the Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools Education Foundation laughing all the way to the bank.

A night of humour featuring comedian Brent Butt had the Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools Education Foundation laughing all the way to the bank.

The third annual gala brought in an estimated $35,000 to support school projects and scholarships for the upcoming school year.

Penny Omilon, a foundation director and gala chairperson, said the projects from the gala’s profits will be released in the fall.

“We have a big vision,” said Omilon. “It’s just trying to get the right people on board to be able to carry the vision through. And we can give these kids some money to be able to further their education. Scholarships will also be something we’re looking at to expand.”

This year, the foundation distributed $25,500 to support 13 school projects and division projects. The inaugural gala in 2010 raised $36,000 and funded three alumni projects involving social justice, 16 school projects and five faith scholarships.

The sold-out event featured a live and silent auction, donation boxes and a 50/50 draw.

Omilon said the foundation will continue to focus on building the endowment fund, held with the Red Deer and District Community Foundation, and finding big names to headline the gala.