The Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation (SMF) annual dinner and auction has certainly become a popular event – just try and get into the event that sold out more than two weeks ago.
“We have been really pleased over the last couple of years with the support that we’ve had, so we are really happy,” said Don Hepburn, treasurer of the SMF. “It seems to be growing, because now we have people ordering their tickets in the summer so they don’t miss it.”
The event is taking place Oct. 18 at the Cochrane RancheHouse with all funds supporting the Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation Bert Sheppard Library & Archives as well as various projects in the community.
He said that the highlight of the dinner is the incredible food, with prime rib donated by Cargill in High River and prepared by Pat’s Palate Pleasers. There will also be a live auction with 15 – 20 items and a silent auction with around 100 items.
This year they will also be honouring the 35th anniversary of the Men of Vision statue.
The SMF officially started in 1980 by 50 founding members comprised of ranchers, farmers and other individuals, who wanted to commemorate the Canadian livestock industry.
Hepburn said that last year they raised $40,000 – the most they had ever raised – and this year they would be shooting for around $30,000.
He said the money they raise goes towards things such as rent and paying their employees, but they also put the money back into the community.
“This past year we were able to complete some of our projects and that is why I think people support our dinner,” Hepburn said, adding that the most recent project was replacing the corral gates at the Historic Cochrane Ranche site.
“Preservation of our history is our first goal, but then once we preserve it we want people to experience it and be able to either come and visit us, visit us online, or come to some of the programs that we have,” explained Hepburn.
Hepburn pointed out that if people didn’t get tickets in time for the dinner, they are still able to sign up as a member.
For $25 members will receive a newsletter to keep you up to date on what the foundation is up to.
For more information call 403-932-3782 or email [email protected].
