Auction dollars help feed the kids

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More than 150 people gathered June 13 for the Ben Calf Robe Society's Pieces in the Sky, a silent and live auction benefit concert designed to raise funds for the Ben Calf Robe school's breakfast and lunch programs.

The concert brought together entertainers Laura Vinson & Free Spirit, Maria Dunn, Dale Ladouceur and Amanda Woodward.

"I hope that everyone had a good time, that they enjoyed the dinner and entertainment," said Tammie Perryment, community developer with the Ben Calf Robe Society. "We are hoping that through fundraising and events like this that the public will be aware of this program and other programs that we as a society offer to the Aboriginal community."

Master of Ceremony's Cliff Whitford, who is also on the society's planning committee, believes that the group does incredible work in the community. He said that the society's goal is to nurture the children the best way they can and to bring out their potential, which he believes is really needed, not just in the Aboriginal community, but in all communities.

"I was also a part of last year's event and I could just feel the magic in the room. When I, as an emcee, explained to the audience where and how their money was going to be spent, all of a sudden there was a renewed sense of generosity, and people began to stop at almost every item at the tables and they began to put their bids in," he said.

"I hope that this fundraiser becomes an annual event, because it is something that helps keep programs like this running. It must be hard for the kids to come to school on empty stomachs."

Vinson, who is the executive director of the Ben Calf Robe Society, said that it is really hard to get money for their breakfast and lunch programs, but with all the generous help from the communities there is a sense of pride when she sees both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people gather and help each other out.

"Some of the children come to our evening programs and events because we serve snacks, which is great. Because of the cost of living going up, a lot of people cannot budget to make ends meet. Sometimes they do not have enough money to purchase healthier foods. This is what this evening is all about. It is all for the children and it is nice to know that we can provide these services to them," she said.

Vinson said the society, with the help of two cooks, feeds more than 200 children Monday to Friday.