Dave Panabaker, Jenna Raimbault and Chris Perret gave a presentation on our Rotary Gala held at the end of March this year. The committee outlined their goal for the Gala:
- To raise $35,000 for our Centennial Trail Project
- To Showcase Festival Performers & Local Artists
- Have a Fun & Entertaining Evening
- Introduce our Centennial Trail Project.
The Gala Committee conducted a survey of the event and were please with the 40 responses which were very positive and encouraging. The committee held a post Gala review and were pleased to report the following to the Club. Overall, they felt we achieved our goals and were pleased with the event. For a first event, we had a total of 236 paid guests with a total of 275 people in attendance and made a total profit of $25,4000, thanks in part to the great support from the Club. In general, the committee was please with the activities on the various levels and have ideas to change and improve things in the future.
As part of the committee's post-mortem, they identified a variety of areas that could be improved such as the congestion at the entrance; the venue not the most conducive to showcase festival performers and the evening went by too quickly. There were also a number of other area that they would do differently a second time around. They also reported that feedback from the survey, said people enjoyed the event and wanted to see it continue again next year. Based on all the feedback, the committee asked the Club if we should put it on again this coming year, even though we are planning a 100th Anniversary Evening in June. With the help of DG Rick Istead, an invitation was sent to RI President Ian Riseley to attend our celebration and that of the Lethbridge Rotary Club who are also celebrating their Centennial this year. The Lethbridge Club has advised that depending on the RI President's availability, they would be willing to move their celebration date to suit his schedule and President Karen suggested our Club may be will to do the same if the RI President is willing to come.
Following a question and answer period, where there was good discussion whether to hold the event again or not. The matter of the timing of the event was raised. Comments from the survey suggested the event should be held on a Saturday rather than a Friday. The committee suggested a couple of potential dates: Saturday April 29th and Saturday May 12th, 2018. It was pointed out the board needs to review the findings and possible dates.
Denise Henning moved a motion that the Club hold a Gala again this year, seconded by Sandy MacKay. After more discussion, the question was called and the motion was carried.
On behalf of the Club, a big thank goes out to all who helped make the Gala the success it was.