Tickets still available for Riverside dinner

Sights and sounds of the ’50s will flood the banquet room at the Red Dog Inn next Saturday (Feb. 22) as the Riverside Foundation for Health Care holds its sixth-annual fundraiser dinner.
But those who want to wear their poodle skirts—and dungarees and motorcycle jackets—for an evening and relive the era had better act fast as tickets are selling out, Foundation director Teresa Hazel said.
“We’ve probably got about 12 corporate sponsors who have bought up tables, as well as individuals who got their tickets, too,” she remarked, adding about 140 of the 200 available tickets have been sold.
“I think it’s going to be really fun. It’s cold outside, so why not come to the dinner, stay warm, and rock with Riverside,” Hazel said.
Individual tickets cost $50 each, with a $25 charitable receipt issued. Gold ($1,500), Silver ($1,000), and Bronze ($500) corporate-sponsored tables also are available.
Meanwhile, the Foundation’s special events committee has been working hard to make sure the evening lives up to this year’s theme: “Rock Around the Clock.”
“It’ll be cool,” said committee chair Joan Allison. “People can expect to see a few Elvises, a few Marilyns, most certainly poodle skirts and a few duck tails.
“And lots of Barbies, who, after all, was first created in the ’50s,” she added.
Allison noted local artist Linda Lovisa has been enlisted once again to decorate the dance floor area, ensuring it’s fit for a rip-roarin’ sock hop.
Hazel said the event will feature a “Rock Around the Clock” silent auction (featuring various clocks, watches, and rock-and-roll type items up for grabs), a wishing well, a “kissing pond,” and a “soda shop” (with drinks like the “James Deaney” and “Elvis Press’ being served up).
“We’ll also be giving out prizes for authentic dress,” added Hazel. “There will be jiving dancers, and even a hoola-hoop contest.”
Nostalgic tunes will be provided by Happy Chappy’s Swingin’ Sounds (Adrian Chapman).
Tickets also are moving fast for a raffle, with the grand prize being a fly-in fishing trip for two for three days and four nights, donated by Jay and Cheryl Handberg of Campbell’s Cabins.
Second prize is a $200 gift certificate donated by Canada Safeway while third prize is a pamper yourself package that includes a manicure, pedicure, and dinner for two donated by Kettles Restaurant and Jayne’s TLC.
Raffle tickets cost $5 each, and are available at various locations around the district. The winners will be drawn at the dinner, which begins with a social hour at 6 p.m. and then the meal at 7.
Call Teresa (274-4803) or Joan (274-9484) to buy tickets or donate an item to the silent auction.
Proceeds will go to the Riverside Foundation for Health Care for building and renovation costs at district hospitals, as well as equipment for surgical services, emergency, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging at La Verendrye.