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Hungry Under The Big Top

Hungry for Life Haiti fundraiser set to celebrate 10 years.
50731cranbrookdailyHungryForLife_web
Dr. Bob Cutler

It’s been 10 years since the first Hungry for Life Gala and Auction was staged in Cranbrook, and the organizers are set to celebrate that anniversary with their biggest event to date on Saturday, May 11.

Founders Rick Klassen and Dr. Bob Cutler are looking forward to marking a decade of success.

“Cranbrook residents have always been so supportive of our fundraising efforts to benefit Haiti and this year is no exception,” Klassen said. “The business community is, as usual, also very generous and the tickets are selling fast.”

The Gala, which was formerly held at the Royal Alexandria Hall, outgrew that space a few years ago and moved into the Cranbrook Curling Club building. According to co-founder Dr. Bob Cutler, the larger venue ultimately means more money for the cause. He points out that 100 per cent of the profit from the evening goes directly to Haiti to help with building projects or providing medical services.

Funds raised in Cranbrook over the past 10 years have built the Zanmitay Health Center in Grand Guave that opened full time on April 1, 2013, and provides free medical care for local impoverished Haitians.

“Proceeds from this years Gala will support the local Haitian doctor and two Haitian nurses, and provide free medication as well as HIV on-site testing and supportive treatment,” Cutler said. “Quite an improvement from two to three years ago.

“We’re giving Haitians the tools they need to lift themselves up, and they are making steady progress. With the generous support of the people of Cranbrook, we’ll continue to improve the lives of many more children and families.”

Klassen said that every year they go with a different theme for the event. In past years, they’ve created Hollywood’s “Academy Awards,” the 1970’s famed disco “Studio 54” and the Las Vegas Strip. This year they are going even bigger.

“It’s an ‘Under the Big Top’ theme this year,” he said. “Once again, the team has come up with some fantastic designs to transform the Curling Club into something that you’ve never seen before.

“Anyone who’s been to our event can attest that once you walk through those doors, you’re in another world.”

The Hungry for Life Gala and auction is open to everyone and takes place on Saturday, May 11 at the Cranbrook Curling Club. It features renowned auctioneer and entertainer Gery Schubert. Dinner is catered by Heidi’s Restaurant.

Live music will be provided after the dinner and auction portion of the evening and guests are encouraged to dress “for the circus”. Tickets are $100 each, 50 per cent of which is tax deductible.  They can be purchased individually or in tables of eight.

For more information, to purchase tickets or to donate auction items please contact Suzanne Thompson in the Kootenay Therapy Centre at 250-426-4629.