Spring is here and with it comes the Mill Site Lodge/Fischer Place Auxiliary Spring Raffle.
This year the auxiliary has chosen to increase the number of tickets available from 1,200 up to 1,500. Auxiliary member Carol Lenton said they're doing this because they sold out last year.
"We're hoping to sell out again this year. Tickets are $20 a book for 10 tickets or if you just wish to buy one you can buy one for two dollars," Lenton said.
Tickets are available this year at Donex Pharmacy and Department Store, 100 Mile Feed and Ranch Supply, Pharmasave, the High Ground Cafe in Lone Butte, Rise and Grind Coffee House, Mary's Country Kitchen in 108 Mile Ranch and Big Country Lanes. Members of the auxiliary will also be periodically selling tickets at FreshCo 100 Mile and Save-On-Foods. Tickets went on sale on April 4 and will run until June 13 or whenever tickets sell out, whichever comes first.
This year the grand prize is a handmade quilt made by several members of the auxiliary, including Lenton. She remarked it was a fun quilt to put together and has a crazy design valued at $750.
There is also a framed cross stitch of Norman Rockwell's Grandfather & Boy on Rocking Horse worth $500, a George foreman electric barbeque worth $380, a woman and gentleman's spa basket both worth $200.
Lenton has been volunteering at Mill Site Lodge and Fischer Place for the last three years ever since her husband Charles moved there. While he has since passed on, Lenton noted she still finds working with the residents and helping take care of them rewarding.
"I just chat with them and try to make them smile," Lenton said. "I absolutely love the residents, they're so happy to see people come in and talk to them."
That's why she encourages anyone in the community with an interest in supporting the residents of Mill Site and Fischer Place to consider purchasing a ticket. All money the auxiliary raises goes back into purchasing gifts for the residents and helping run programs like bingo.
"Everything we bring in goes to the comfort of the residents. We buy them different things. Last year we bought a huge TV for one of the wards and if they need something in the kitchen, we do that. We supply the treats for bingo days, we supply all kinds of things for them," Lenton said. "Everything we do goes to the comfort and the care of the residents."
The raffle draw will take place on June 27 at 1:30 p.m. at Fischer Place.
