It's been a busy year for Project H.O.P.E.
On Saturday, March 29 the group held their 80s Night fundraiser, which saw around 240 people attend.
"It was phenomenal. Early numbers show we did raise approximately $29,000, which is huge. It was just such a good time. Such a great energy in the room," said Alaina Heming, secretary with the group.
Funds from the event will go towards operating costs, which provide physical education and music therapy for local students with disabilities such as autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and other behavioral challenges.
"So far we serve 90 students in the community, and we operate out of six schools," added Heming. "We are so excited to be offering these therapies to students during the school day."
According to Heming, the therapies would usually cost around $1,500 per student. However, the organization offers them free of charge.
"If we didn't have Project H.O.P.E., we would have families who just didn't have any options. A lot of students living with disabilities would be marginalized and isolated."
The group is looking for some volunteers as they plan for more events throughout the year, including a golf tournament on August 21 at the Strathmore Golf Course, which will be followed by next year's spring fundraiser.
The fundraiser was sponsored by:
- Tina’s No Frills
- Hiltona Holdings Ltd
- 104.5 More Country
- PVT Energy Group
- Catering by LaRue
- Wheatland Elementary Parent Council
- Crowther Memorial Junior High
- Rich-Lee Custom Homes
- Boone’s Paint and Body
- Carey Rose Real Estate
- Rimk Instrustrial Inc
- Generation Land & Grain Co
Anyone interested in joining Project H.O.P.E. can reach out to the group through its website.