October 5, 2013 –Chestermere Fire Services hosted the inaugural Firefighters Gala on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at the Chestermere Recreation Centre. It was a fabulous event which raised funds for the Chestermere Schools Breakfast Program.
The sell-out evening began with a champagne reception and beautiful live music performed by Leela Aheer, followed by an exciting live auction of the firemen themselves, who then acted as waiters for the highest bidding tables. They didn’t go for cheap, each firefighter brought in anywhere from $500 – $1000 respectively but they worked hard and enjoyed the interaction with the guests.
A cigar lounge was set up outside and saw visits from many of the gentlemen while those who preferred to stay inside enjoyed performances by salsa dancers. Then the dance floor opened up, filling with guests and the fun party continued long into the night.
During the event, the firefighters were also launching the sale of the newly completed fundraising calendar, featuring a Chestermere Firefighter on each page. The calendars sell for $20 – and signed copies were available at the gala for $40.
“We at Chestermere Fire Services are extremely appreciative of our community’s support and I am proud that my personnel are equally committed to returning that support. “says Steve Bagley, Chestermere’s Fire Chief and he adds “Profits from the calendar sales will directly benefit the school’s Breakfast Program to ensure its continued success.”
Hughes Construction Services Ltd. and Chestermere Lifepath Wellness are the calendar’s proud sponsors and representatives from both companies attended the event to show their support for the project.
The Chestermere School Breakfast Program is run by the Rocky View School District. The firefighters first became involved in the ‘Food for Thought’ breakfast program when they were invited to help the 100% parent volunteer run initiative to prepare and hand out food to the students at a local school.
According the Rocky View Schools Website, providing breakfast to students has shown to improve classroom behavior and school atmosphere. Menus are based on Alberta Nutritional Guidelines and include options like Nutella & banana wraps, juice and yogurt.
The 2014 Chestermere Firefighters Calendars are available for purchase at the Chestermere Town Hall.
