On Thursday, March 7 the Carlyle and District Lions held their 22nd Annual Fundraising Supper, Raffle, and Auction. Held in Memorial Hall more than 210 people enjoyed a wonderful evening of food, socializing, and donating towards a great cause, their community.
The night began at 5:30 p.m. with doors opening and people welcomed in to look at all of the prizes and auction items.
At 7 p.m. Wayne Wilson, Lions Chairperson and MC for the evening, introduced himself and welcomed everyone. The supper was set out at this time, which was prepared by Eileen Corrigan and Linda Chapman with the help of a small work crew. The meal was sponsored by Spectrum Resource Group, who also sponsored a travel voucher prize that was won by Andrea McEwan. The pork for the dinner was provided by Jack and Dianne Wilson. It was a delicious meal that many were raving about following the dinner.
A winner was found at each table to take home the beautiful flower bouquets, which were sponsored by Red Hawk Well Servicing and Supreme Ambulance.
Following supper the live auction got underway with Ward Cutler facilitating the bidding for the 17th year in a row.
There were 41 live auction items up for bid. Some of the larger auction items being a Gordie Howe autographed jersey, a garden shed, and a motorized sprayer.
A small bidding war developed over the Gordie Howe jersey which eventually went to Gord Paulley for $4,250. Jokingly Cutler explained to Paulley that he heard someone explain if he needed financing to stop by the local Credit Union, which brought many laughs.
Overall the live auction brought in approximately $23,000.
A short break was taken before the silent auction items were finished for the night. In total the silent auction brought in over $5,000. There were 29 items in this category including a Wayne Gretzky last game print, two Michael Lonechild prints, and a Mastercraft air powered tool kit.
The door prizes and raffle items were all given out with Calvin Fischer winning the grand prize of $1,000 that was sponsored by Carson Energy Services, which Fischer donated to the Lions.
The night was a great success being able to bring in between $35,000 and $40,000 altogether. The final number is being determined by the Lions.
Chairperson Wayne Wilson was happy to state, "It went very well. It was probably one of the earliest nights we were able to get out at 20 after 10 [p.m.] It didn't seem that crowded, people were able to walk around. I thought it went very well."
Organizations are reminded that this year the way in which money will be given out has changed. The Lions collectively felt that they had been missing certain projects or organizations that were in need of funds, so they have decided to ask people to fill out an application form.
If looking to apply simply contact any Lions member and it is possible they will choose to give to your project.
In the past they have given to the Museum, Library, Memorial Hall, Fire Department, the Moose Mountain Jumpers, the History Book Committee, hockey rinks in both Manor and Carlyle, as well as having sponsored two seizure response dogs.
Their annual donation supper is usually held in May, which is when the majority of money which is raised by the Lions all year is given out. A portion is always set aside in an account that is used for major community projects such as the bathrooms at Lions Park.
Over their 50 years in existence they have given over $380,000 to Carlyle and surrounding communities in order to help support and make the surrounding area a place where many people are able to thrive.
Seeing as they will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary this fall they are currently working on the organization of a fun event to be held in either October or November at Memorial Hall. They are currently working on ideas and will be unveiling their celebration's festivities in the near future. Everyone will be welcome and it is going to be a great social gathering for all.
The Lions currently have approximately 24 members and are always looking for more people to join their cause. Membership is open to both men and women. It is a good way to become involved and give back to the community. The club meets twice a month, the first and third Tuesday, and the second meeting is always a supper meeting prepared by one of the Lions dens within the club.
People are always welcome to come and learn more. They are encouraged to contact a Lions member for more information on the organization.
The Lions are a group that creates a sense of community giving back to the town and surrounding areas.
