GLEN EWEN — The Prairie Sport Horse Association was overwhelmed with the response it received when it decided to do a fundraiser, Kickin' it for Kal, for Kal and Crystal Harper and family.
Board member D.J. Carins brought up the idea of holding a fundraiser for the family, when she found out that her friend’s husband had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer that was located in his lower calf in February.
On May 12, Kal went to Saskatoon and needed to have his leg amputated just below the knee. He went home after surgery and will rest for a month, and then he will have a long period of therapy, but he is doing well.
Crystal has been a friend of Carins' for 20 years and both women have been involved in the horse business, which is how they met.
Planning began for the event to be held May 31 at the Glen Ewen Community Complex – and in a short time, the 200 available tickets were sold.
They had hoped to receive 50-60 items for the silent auction, but they received 140, plus 10 for a live auction, including a dessert auction.
Dinner was prepared and served by Charlie's Chuckwagon, and the meal consisted of brisket with all the trimmings. Sara East, a friend of the family, was the MC for the night.
The Bienfait Lions Club volunteered to run the bar and the Redvers Light Horse 4-H Club helped with the cleanup when the event was over. Trevor Dyck took care of the auctioneering.
Once the tables were cleared and the auction was completed, the Garden Party Band took to the stage to entertain the crowd.
East said the event was well attended and the support from the people was incredible.
Kal, Crystal and their two daughters Peyton and Cadence were in attendance, and they say they feel very blessed to live in such a great community.
“The Prairie Sport Horse Association put on such an amazing fundraiser,” said Crystal. “To everyone who has reached out, showed up, donated, prayed for our family, we have definitely felt it and are so incredibly grateful.”
