The second Plates of Hope fundraiser was scheduled for Saturday night at Plaza 88, but it turned out to be something more than just fundraising as the attendees and guests repeated what Prince Albert has always been known for – great love and community bonding.
The second Plates of Hope exceeded the expectations of organizers and the Salvation Army.
“I am surprised because at some point I was discouraged about having the event, but I am very pleasantly surprised by the number of people that came out to show their support and how enjoyable the whole evening was,” Major Charlotte Dean of the Salvation Army said.
Liza Brown performed during the second Plates of Hope fundraiser for the Salvation Army at Plaza 88 on Saturday.
“We couldn’t be as involved as we would have loved to because of all the things that needed to be done post-fire, but our team got together and put a lot of effort into it, and we are really pleased with how it turned out. Mostly, I am pleased because the people are happy.”
The evening started with Mocktails, followed by a few introductions and welcoming all the attendees.
During the dinner, which was prepared by My Place Catering, whose late founder Randy Whitter helped come up with the idea, as well as attendees were treated to some musical entertainment by Liza Brown
“People who care, there’s so many people who care, but they don’t know what to do, so an easy thing to do is donate to something like this,” Brown said. “I like supporting community efforts like this.”
Off the Cuff performed an improv set during the second Plates of Hope fundraiser for the Salvation Army at Plaza 88 on Saturday.
There were words of encouragement from the PAGC and representative Ed Mirasty, the City of Prince Albert, Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters, the Sponsors, and MLA Kevin Kasun, thanking everyone who cared enough to come and support the Plates of Hope and the Salvation Army.
“So tonight is a beautiful experience for us to be together to understand that the Plates of Hope is about giving hope to those who need hope and specifically people in Prince Albert,” David Hipperson, Area Commander for the Area of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northern Ontario, Divisional Headquarters of the Salvation Army, said. Hipperson came with Bernadette DeSantis, the Divisional Secretary for Public Relations.
“So with all of you here tonight, we are so blessed to have that support and be able to give back to the community through the tragedy that happened with the fire, and knowing that the people need the support in this city.”
(L to R)Major Ed Dean and Major Charlotte Dean were presented a memento of the former Salvation Army location during the second Plates of Hope fundraiser for the Salvation Army at Plaza 88 on Saturday.
He also appreciated all that came together to support the Salvation Army and the work they are doing here in Prince Albert.
Cameron Eddolls and Marlene Goldberg were guests, and they were happy to be part of the event.
“My mom, Jeannette Eddolls, is a big volunteer and a big aspect of Salvation Army, and rallied all of us to be here, and it’s cool to see her here, and being here is great,” Eddolls said.
“I love attending events in Prince Albert to support the community as a whole, so whatever I can do to build the community to be its best self, that’s what I’m going to do. So this is just one more thing to help and be a part of it,” Goldberg said.
During the evening, there was also a performance by Off the Cuff.
Major Ed Dean made a speech to close the evening during the second Plates of Hope fundraiser for the Salvation Army at Plaza 88 on Saturday.
Adam Neufeld, who was one of the Platinum Sponsors for the event, was happy to contribute $50,000.
“It has been wonderful, it is great to have everybody here to support such a worthy cause, and we just have to be a part of it. Homelessness is a problem a lot of people like to complain about, but no one wants to do anything about it, and I will encourage everyone across Canada to step up and do the work to really help those on the street.”
Each guest got the gift of a crafted wooden heart as a symbol of the love the Salvation Army shares with not just the Guests but the Prince Albert Community. The Crafted wooden heart was made by a long time volunteer and member of the Salvation Army in Prince Albert.
Malcolm Jenkins and the Malcolm Jenkins Family Foundation also donated a matching $50,000, which Jenkins presented to Major Ed Dean on stage at the event, was also happy to help.
“I am 83 years old, and I have reached a part of my life where I have finished my work and see the needs in society, and as such, I am moved to assist,” Malcolm Jenkins said.
“I find it despicable when I see people who have $10 billion, and they are still looking to make $11 billion. So I do what I can and the best I can.”
“It’s better to have longer arms and shorter pockets, that way you give more. It’s better to give than to receive. It’s more enjoyable when you give,” Neufeld said
“I am very happy with the evening, it’s been a lot of work from a great group of volunteers, it was a great success, and we have surpassed our goal of $250,000,” Major Ed Dean of the Prince Albert Salvation Army said. “To the people that came tonight, those that sponsored, those that bought tickets, we say a huge thank you, thank you, thank you.
The exact amount raised was not available at press time.
