An event next month is looking to rally a strong turnout to dance the night away in support of a cause that has been receiving overwhelming support from the Cochrane community. Big Hill Haven, the Cochrane society that is fundraising to build Cochrane's first women's shelter, is holding MasquerAID 2018 on Oct. 27 – with plenty of advance tickets on sale for $35 each. Guests will swoon to the Celtic, rock and country tunes of Calgary band Lowtide on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Lions Event Centre. Ticket sales do not include food, which is available for purchase separately. "To date, we have raised $140,000," said co-founder and past chair Margaret Van Tighem. "That's pretty unreal considering this is a small town with lots of non-profits." Van Tighem said the society recently received confirmation of its charitable status and is hopeful that the ability to issue official tax receipts will help generate donations. The society now has a half-time outreach worker, Patti Fischer, who works out of the Resource Centre at the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) office. They are also in the planning phase for a shelter facility and are looking for options for land and a facility – including potential partnerships with other businesses and organizations. The capital drive for the shelter will ramp up later this fall. A rough estimation to build the shelter is tagged at $3 million. The society will be able to apply for grants once land is secured. "It's a fundraiser, yes, but it's a big thank you to the town," explained Van Tighem of the FUNdraiser that the society aims to serve as a dual function to continue to add to the pot while giving a nod to the individuals and businesses who have helped build momentum for the cause over the last year. The board was met with a loss earlier this year when board secretary Bob Campbell was killed in a motor vehicle accident while driving home after a fundraiser dinner in honour of Calgary Flames trainer and philanthropist Bearcat Murray on April 27. The event ( also put on by the Women of the Wild West) raised more than $50,000 for the shelter. Campbell was touted by the board as being instrumental at getting the society off the ground, as well as being an active and dedicated community volunteer. A Go Fund Me link is on the shelter website in honour of Campbell and to date, the family has donated nearly $12,000 to the shelter in his honour. Cochrane Eagle founder and former publisher Jack Tennant, who died May 20 was a known supporter of women's shelters in the region and chose Big Hill Haven as one of his causes to get behind. An honorary dinner held for Tennant nearly two years ago kickstarted fundraising for the cause. "We hope to see everyone out and having good time – dress-up or not – we have some special entertainment and a lively dance band," said Haven chair Ana Botelho Clark, adding that the raffle items up for grabs are impressive, including a stay and play hotel package from Grey Eagle Casino, stay and play golf packages in Panorama and Sundre, as well as prizes for best costume and door prizes. Learn more about levels of sponsorship opportunities or purchase tickets at bighillhaven.com.
