Eight years ago Creative Tables for Cancer organizer, Darlene Olsen, never thought it would become as popular as it is.
It all started with an event the Lampman Library hosted and grew into an idea that has gained momentum ever since.
“I was a guest speaker at the Lampman Library, they had a luncheon on a Saturday with 10 tables set out with six people at each table, and the tables had their own themes,” Olsen explained. “It’s what those ladies did and how they raised money for the Lampman library, but they don’t hold that fundraiser anymore.”
“I had been there a few times and every time I went I said to my friend that we should do something similar in Arcola. Finally, after the third time of going, I thought ‘We’ve got to do this.’ So, I called up my friend and told her to book Prairie Place.”
“That first year we convinced 160 people to come out to do the tables, so we had 16 tables, and in Prairie Place that looks quite small; but, we did a little fashion show and had quite a bit of fun. On their way out after that first year so many were saying they’d like to do a table the next year and I took names down. That second year we had 32 tables, our attendance had doubled, and ever since we’ve had between 40 and 42 tables set up in there.”
Creative Tables will be hosted on Thursday, Oct. 13, and there are currently four or five more tables available to those interested in decorating one, while there are approximately eight tables available for people simply interested in attending. Tickets are $40 per person and a table of eight is $320, contact Olsen at 306-455-2554 or 306-577-8087.
This year Shannon Shakotko of Forget will be speaking, while Olsen says the rest of the entertainment that night is currently a surprise.
“I’m excited about it,” Olsen said. “I really enjoy how much the women look forward to the night and their enthusiasm for what they’re going to do for their table as hostesses. I’m always excited for first timers coming to walk into Prairie Place and see the tables set up because it looks amazing and they’re not really sure what they’re walking into.”
Proceeds from the event will go to the program Look Good, Feel Better and to the Moose Mountain Recruitment Committee.
