The community demonstrated its steadfast support for Blue Sky Opportunities by coming out in droves to the organization's annual fall fund raising banquet last night in Altona.
It what appears to be tradition for the event, it was another sold out crowd at the Rhineland Pioneer Centre. New, however, was that this was the most people to ever attend at 352.
"We're at full capacity for the hall. We actually had to turn people away because we were full," exclaimed General Manager Ryan Potter, who says they usually cap ticket sales at about 250. "But we were sold out within a month, so we decided to open it up for more. We're right to the back!"
"It's just great to see," added Potter. "This is our 70th year in business and it just shows how much people support our clients and everything we're working towards."
Who we are
In fact, with so many new people in the crowd, Potter used his time in front of the microphone to underscore the non-profit's commitment to the integration and independence of adults with intellectual disabilities by maximizing employment and residential opportunities in the community. He also briefed the audience on the many programs and services offered through Blue Sky, followed by client testimonials.
Referring to the organization as a beacon of hope, Dave Unger, the son of one of Blue Sky's founding supporters, John Unger, offered a recap of the organization's 70-year history.
"For us to be offer that is a big thing so they can live a full life."
Proceeds from this latest banquet will go to further updating the organization's fleet of vehicles.
"Every department uses vehicles and, for us to keep doing what we're doing and be able to grow and get clients to where they need to be...our fleet's old," explained Potter. "Or we have homes without vehicles or staff are using their own vehicles."
The goal - to raise $50,000 towards the upgrades.
"Every client that we support, utilizes vehicles," added Potter, noting it helps get them to the grocery store or their jobs in the community. "Even their activities or medical appointments, or even out of town. We do a lot local but there's things our clients want, like everyone else, to go to the city (Winnipeg) and do things. For us to be offer that is a big thing so they can live a full life."