The Foothills Country Hospice has big plans for its largest fundraiser of the year.
Their annual Gratitude and Giving Gala is scheduled for Friday, October 18, at the Foothills Centennial Centre.
This year's theme is Hospiceopoly, a take on the classic board game.
They're integrating the theme into nearly every facet of the event, including selling sponsorships titled after properties in the game, including Waterworks and Electric Company.
There are also plans for activities based around spaces from the game, says marketing and communications associate, Robyn Alford.
"There's the Community Chest that we're going to play off, obviously there will have to be a jail, we're going to have a Luxury Tax and Chance cards. We're really tying in the board game into the evening to make it a fun night."
According to Alford, the inspiration for the theme came from one of the hospice's staff members while reading a book during planning for last year's gala.
"This was last year, even before we held the gala last year, and we already had everything underway and planned. She said, 'You have to hang onto this for next year,' and it was a no-brainer. As soon as we saw it, we thought, 'We've never seen anything like that, we have to do it."
This year's fundraising goal for the gala, says Alford, is $250,000.
"Obviously, with the expansion still underway, the operational costs of the hospice are going to increase, so that's why we're looking to increase our fundraising, to cover those additional costs that will be coming quite soon. In general, Alberta Health Services funds 53 per cent of our budget for the year and we are tasked with raising the 47 per cent that remains. The gala is definitely a significant portion of that fundraising."
As usual, the event will also include a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions, and live entertainment.
Ticket and sponsorship information can be seen on their website.