WESTLOCK — It was an east coast kitchen party to remember.
More than 300 people from across the region came out to support the Soul Sisters Memorial Foundation’s annual fundraiser, Nelly’s Project, Oct. 5 at the Westlock and District Community Hall.
This year’s event theme was an ‘East Coast Kitchen Party’ and featured live and silent auctions, a dinner, Master of Ceremonies Danny Hooper and entertainment by the Edmonton-based Derina Harvey Band — a Celtic rock group who are the 2024 East Coast Music Award winner for Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year.
“We had 315 guests … and I’d say we probably netted around $40,000,” said Soul Sisters Memorial Foundation president, Christine Vachon. “We’re always very, very grateful for the support of the community, individuals and businesses that support the work we do.”
Vachon said while it’s an event that “brings people together in loss and grief”, it is an evening filled with sharing, laughter and belonging.
“It’s not about how much money we raise, it’s about creating that community,” she said, noting the connections made and awareness raised about the foundation and their work.
“You end up meeting people from all over the place and they’ve experienced a loss and want to talk about it or share about it, and they’re surprised that there is something like (Soul Sisters) out there,” said Vachon. “We’re proud of creating that safe space for the community to connect.”
Proceeds raised from the event will go towards the organization’s mental health programs and grief counselling, which is provided free of charge.
“It goes towards the programs that we do and the grief support (we provide),’ said Vachon, noting that other contributions to the Soul Sisters Memorial Foundation this year include $4,800 that was raised by the Spirit In the Skye motorcycle rally in August and a blue envelope fundraiser that gave away a trip to Halifax, which was won by Mark Neaves of Athabasca.
For more information visit www.soulsistersmemorialfoundation.com
