CHESTERMERE – Last year, the United Way/Chestermere partnership hosted a wine and cheese gala in the hopes of fundraising for various community organizations. They were successful in raising $12,000 from the gala to put towards local groups.
This year, they’ve decided to host a a different style event: an Oktoberfest celebration. Although it won’t be the traditional 16-day festival, it will be a fun night featuring spirits, music, a silent and live auction as well as all kinds of German fare.
Kim Mikkelsen, chair of the United Way / Chestermere partnership, said that she hopes this style of event will bring in more attendees.
“It’s going to be a little more casual and informal this year,” she said of the German-inspired event. “I think a wine and cheese things draws in a certain demographic, so this theme might appeal to a few more people.
“We hope to see lots of people come out and have a good time.”
Mikkelsen said that the event will be held at the recreation centre this year, so they will be able to have 300 people in attendance, which is more than they have been able to accommodate in the past.
Mikkelsen said that they have set a fundraising goal of $20,000 for the year. Because Oktoberfest will be their biggest fundraising effort, she said they hope to see lots of community support.
“We hope to basically double what we made last year,” she said. “Although our goal is to raise funds, we also to raise awareness of the United Way/Chestermere partnership, which is a three-year partnership to develop fundraising in the community.
“The most important thing to know is that all of the money raised stays right in the community.”
Oktoberfest will be sponsored by Molson, Mo’s Liquor, M&M Meat Shops and various other local businesses. Molson will be giving back a portion of their sales from that evening back to the United Way.
There will be a variety of beers available in true Oktoberfest style, but there will also be full bar.
Ticket holders will receive a bratwurst and a strudel, as well as a beer mug as a keepsake. There will be lots of items available to bid on in both the silent and live auctions, and Mikkelsen said they have lots of great prizes this year, including a few vacation packages.
“This is the first time we’ve had an Oktoberfest event, it’s going to be great. We hope it’s a success,” Mikkelsen said.
Mountain View Funeral Home will be providing a taxi service for those who live in Chestermere.
Mikkelsen said that those using the service will be asked to tip the driver, as half of the tip will go to the driver, and half will go towards the United Way.
Mikkelsen said that those who aren’t available to attend can still make a donation to the United Way / Chestermere Partnership at any time, and that all donations are appreciated.
“People can donate through their businesses too,” she said. “If their company is connected in a donor program, they can specify that they want their dollars to go to United Way/Chestermere.”
Oktoberfest will take place on Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. until 12 a.m. at the Chestermere Recreation Centre. Tickets are $40 per person, or $70 per couple. Tables of eight can also be booked for $240.
Anyone interested in contributing to the United Way/Chestermere partnership, donating to the silent auction, or purchasing tickets can contact Chestermere Community Services at 403-207-7060, or drop by town hall during regular business hours. Tickets are also available at Mo’s Liquor and at the local M&M Meat Shops location.
