Choose Life Ministry is making the final preparations for its seventh annual Red Carpet Gala fundraiser, which will happen on Sept. 21 at Living Hope Community Church in Estevan.
The doors will open at 6 p.m., and supper is to be served at 6:30 p.m.
Shelley Boyes, who is the founder of the ministry, said that since this is the seventh banquet, they have opted for a 1970s theme, with people encouraged to wear ’70s formal wear. She hopes it can be the best gala yet.
A turkey and roast beef supper, with all the trimmings, will be served. The Don’t Mind Us comedy improvisation duo from Saskatoon will be this year’s entertainment.
“They were very popular last year, so people requested that we get them again,” said Boyes.
A live auction will be conducted with a company called Sold Outright, so that people who are online can join those in attendance for bidding on items.
Among the items available will be a pre-owned vehicle through a partnership with Carlyle Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd. Boyes was hoping it would be a vehicle from the 1970s to go with the theme, but nothing has become available yet.
Jewellery, a leather briefcase, Saskatchewan Roughrider merchandise, handmade quilts, art and other items will also be available.
There will also be an update on the stone house in the Rural Municipality of Argyle that will be the site of the ministry, and on progress for Choose Life Ministry.
Ticket sales for the gala are on par with previous year, and Boyes said there are still about 40 or 50 tickets remaining. The deadline to purchase a ticket is Sept. 17.
Renovations on the stone house were completed on Sept. 10, and Boyes said it should be ready for occupancy on Sept. 24, making this a very busy time for the ministry.
Two people are already confirmed to stay at the stone house for Choose Life’s six-month program once the building opens. Four more people can stay there. The ministry provides assistance for young women with what Boyes has described as life-controlling issues, and can accept new people at any time.
Five women have been through the program thus far. Their first graduate was earlier this year.
“All of the women that we have had there have made significant progress in their recovery,” said Boyes.
