Lace up your skates for a great community cause during the First Annual 3-on-3 Pond Hockey Tournament Botha Arena Fundraiser, slated to run Dec. 27 and 28.
All proceeds raised will go to help keep the arena in operation on behalf of the Botha Community Centre, which is a non-profit organization. The event is for all ages as well.
“It’s to help with the operation of the arena,” said Chris Fournier, event organizer.
Costs of utilities are significant.
“We don’t charge anything and it’s open to the public,” he added.
Thus the need for some financial support to help keep things running smoothly, plus for general upkeep and upgrades needed for the facility itself, which was built in 1979.
Essentially, it’s a volunteer-run organization, he stated, adding that it was his sons’ idea to plan a pond hockey fundraiser.
“I have three boys and they use the arena all of the time,” Fournier said.
There is limited space for the tournament (a maximum of 10 teams), so those interested are encouraged to sign up early, he said. There will be five games guaranteed with the finals to be determined.
The games will be comprised of two, 15-minute halves with a five-minute rest period in between periods. Helmets are mandatory for those 16 and under, and it’s also recommended that players wear shin and elbow pads (extras may be available at the event).
Cost is $50 per person, which also includes a dinner and dance at the Botha Hall on the evening of Dec. 27.
If you wish to attend the dinner and dance only, the cost is $20 per ticket.
There will be a cash bar and door prizes at the dinner/dance as well, plus entertainment provided by Heartbeat DJ Services.
“At first we were just going to do some door prizes, but I’ve been getting quite a bit of response from different businesses. Some of the prizes are quite extravagant so I think we will be doing a silent auction as well,” he said.
“We also just want to see the community come together, and to be aware that if we don’t support this (facility), we may end up losing it.
“This year, it’s more of a fun thing. Next year, we may split it up into a junior and senior event. But this year, we are just taking a stab at it and I’m really overwhelmed at the response so far. It’s been really something.”
Tickets are available at the Stettler Agri-centre or by calling Chris Fournier at 587-297-6523 or Justin at 403-741-6886.
Anyone interested in taking part in the tournament, or who would like to offer sponsorship in some way including making a donation to the silent auction, is also asked to call the above numbers or email Chris at chrisfour@live.com.