Aspire Child Development Centre is celebrating 40 years of supporting children with diverse needs and their families across Central Alberta with a series of events and fundraising initiatives throughout 2025.
Since opening its doors in 1985, Aspire has grown into a vital community resource, offering diagnostic services, specialized preschool programming, and family supports. The organization now serves more than 1,000 people annually.
“Celebrating forty years is more than a milestone – it’s a reflection of the incredible relationships that have shaped Aspire’s journey,” said Megan Fitzpatrick, event and donor relations coordinator at Aspire. “To the families we’ve had the privilege to support, our passionate team and our deeply invested community – thank you. Your trust, commitment and encouragement have made this journey possible.”
The celebrations begin with a casual community drop-in on Thursday, May 1, the anniversary of Aspire’s opening. The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at Aspire’s Red Deer location and will include sweet treats for visitors. Aspire-themed cookies will also be available at Cafe Millennium, with 100 per cent of proceeds supporting Aspire.
“Our friends at Cafe Millennium will sell Aspire-themed cookies from May 1 until supplies last,” Fitzpatrick said. “Stop in between 1 and 4 p.m., say hello and enjoy a sweet treat.”
Looking ahead to the fall, Aspire’s signature fundraising event, the Evening of Decadent Dessert, returns on Oct. 2 with a special 40th anniversary edition. The gala will include extravagant cakes, enhanced live auction packages and a new ruby-red theme to mark the milestone year.
“This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever – a true celebration of our commitment to the community,” said Fitzpatrick.
The Aspire Children’s Raffle and 50/50 draw are also back with upgraded prizes. The grand prize winner will choose one of four new vehicles, including a Dodge Hornet GT, Jeep Wrangler Sport, Fiat 500e BEV or Jeep Compass Sport. The second prize is a sapphire tennis bracelet valued at $6,295, and the third prize has doubled to $4,000 cash. The 50/50 draw jackpot has been increased to $40,000, with the winner taking home up to $20,000.
Tickets go on sale May 1, and winners will be drawn live at the gala in October.
Aspire is a charitable organization that provides comprehensive child development services in collaboration with families and communities. Its programs include diagnostic assessments, school and family services, summer activities, and parenting support.
“Each year, we serve over 1,000 Central Albertans, including children, their families, physicians, schools and community partners,” said Fitzpatrick. “We look forward to the future with gratitude and a renewed commitment to serving Central Alberta with excellence.”
For more information, visit www.aspirechild.ca.
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