Riverside dinner ready to rock

The Riverside Foundation for Health Care’s special events committee has been busy doing the “time warp” to find nostalgic treasures of the ’50s for its sixth-annual fundraiser dinner this Saturday at the Red Dog Inn.
But Foundation director Teresa Hazel said yesterday it looks like nearly everything’s in place, including a good number of people who’ve confirmed they’re ready to “Rock Around the Clock.”
“We’re not quite sold out. There’s still tickets available, probably enough for a few tables,” she noted.
Individual tickets cost $50 each, with a $25 charitable receipt issued, or a table of eight can be booked for $500.
Hazel said the event it shaping up to be a rip-roaring’ good time with a blend of auction items, games for prizes, dancing, and much more.
“We just had a meeting [Monday] night and there’s lots of crazy stuff going on,” she enthused. “We’re looking forward to it.”
While some people attending the dinner will be dressed up in ’50 fashions, like poodle skirts and saddle shoes, Hazel said others shouldn’t feel obligated to do so, or let it deter them from coming out to the fundraiser.
Activities will include a “Rock Around the Clock” silent auction (featuring various clocks, watches, and rock-and-roll type items up for grabs, as well as some homemade crafts), a wishing well, a “kissing pond,” a “hoola hoop contest,” and a “soda shop” (with drinks like the “’57 Chevy” and “Marilyn’s ‘Man’hattan” being served up).
“And Joan Allison is putting together a ’50s trivia contest, with some interesting tidbits. It should be fun,” added Hazel.
Local artist Linda Lovisa has been enlisted once again to decorate the dance floor area, ensuring it’s fit for a good ol’ sock hop.
And this area should get quite the workout as some professional dancers will be there to get people on their feet to the nostalgic tunes 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.
Last year’s fundraiser brought in about $21,000.
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.
Renovations are expected to get underway at the hospital here this spring.