It’s going to be a night of glow in the dark fun, and everyone's invited.
GLOW, presented by local women’s networking group, Successful Women Always Networking (SWAN) along with event sponsor, Green Leaf Roofing are throwing a party in support of CrossTrainers Canada’s A Hand Up Clothing Room- a nonprofit organization in town that provides free clothing to those in need, and The Hub youth centre in downtown Bradford.
Every year, the SWAN group selects a charity and puts on a fundraising event supporting a charity that helps the Bradford community.
“I love the fact that we picked something local and can keep it local,”said SWAN President, Natasha Leskiw.
“Bradford in a lot of ways is still a small town. Even with all our growth, we still have a lot of that neighbourly feel.”
The night will feature a buffet style dinner from local Portuguese restaurant, Poleiro’s. Along with a dinner and dance party DJ’d by SWAN Vice-President, Jackie Kozak and her entertainment company, Scaraoke Entertainment. Decor will be done by SWAN member, Jen Feeney and her event business, Jen Feeney Events.
There will also be raffles, 50/50 draws and a silent auction. Glow sticks will also be for sale and another SWAN member will be at the event painting people in glowing body paint.
“I am just so thankful to this town,” said Leskiw about the support she has received so far from local residents and businesses.
She noted that No Frills and Don Cherry’s are some of this year's raffle prize donors.
“The generosity of the town has been great,” she added.
The team of women have been planning the event for the past six months. From liquor to raffle licenses, there is a lot of behind the scenes work that Leskiw has been working hard on.
Leskiw says although she has helped coordinate fundraisers in the past, this is her first large scale event she has planned and is a little nervous.
Last year the group held a Mexican style fundraiser at Made In Mexico and raised just over $2,000 for the local food bank, but she says “It was a very laid back fundraiser.” This year will be a much larger event.
So far Leskiw says food and the Portuguese Cultural Centre venue have been paid for through sponsorships and that proceeds from raffles, silent auction and ticket sales will go towards the charity.
SWAN is still seeking sponsorships and donations for raffle prizes and silent auction items. Donations must be made no later than Sept. 10th in order to have them ready in time for the night of the event.
“In return, your business will be promoted on our tables at the event,” said Leskiw.
“If you have flyers or business cards, you can also put those on the tables as well.”
The event takes place on Saturday Sept. 21st at 7 p.m. at the Portuguese Cultural Centre.
Tickets to the event are $30, and can be purchased through the SWAN Facebook page here. You can also buy them through some of the local businesses in town including Drive Tru, Kidergy and Be Well Chiropractic.
If you are interested in donating to the event, you can get in touch with the members of SWAN at [email protected] or through their Facebook page here.
