The Bienfait Lions Community Theatre has been a popular event in the area since it was launched in 2004, generating lots of laughs with its productions, while raising money for community projects.
But the club has decided it won’t host an event this year.
Bienfait Lions Club president Marion Harper, who handled the ticket sales, marketing and other tasks for the production, said fall is a busy time of the year, and it seemed like everyone who has traditionally been involved with the play had other commitments this year.
She is sad the production won’t take place this fall.
“It is a very, very good fundraiser,” said Harper. “One hundred per cent of it (the money raised) is donated (back to the community), and over the years, we have donated a huge amount of money.”
A meeting was held a few weeks ago to discuss this year’s production. At that time, they decided to take a break this fall.
The play required a lot of work each year, with people volunteering their time, not just to perform the show, but to work behind the scenes, and serve the meal and the drinks.
Each night would attract around 200 to 250 people. Numerous businesses and organizations used the theatre for their Christmas party.
In the 13 years since the community theatre was launched, the theatre has raised well over $100,000. She didn’t have a figure for how much money was generated last year.
“Without everybody’s support, it would not have happened, and everything was great,” she said.
The Bienfait Lions Club is grateful for the support the theatre received each year.
The money raised has supported such projects as the town’s hockey arena, curling rink, school, library and swimming pool, as well as the purchase of a fire truck a few years ago.
Harper stressed there weren’t going to be any issues with using the school this year.
She hopes some type of a fundraiser can happen next spring. If that’s the case, then the Lions will be looking for the support of people from Bienfait, Estevan and other communities once again.
A decision hasn’t been made on the format for a spring fundraiser.
