The annual Ladies Red Serge Gala was held on Sept. 14 with a full house at the Holy Family Parish Hall in West Sechelt. Firefighters and RCMP members in their dress uniforms were gracious hosts for the evening, with MCs Sgt. Chris Backus and Const. Aidan White. Guests were escorted to their tables where they enjoyed complimentary wine, fancy gifts and savoury appetizers. Games tables were lively, a couple of rounds of the toonie toss game got the smiles started, and the auction tables were active.
The Tour de Coast riders arrived and were welcomed: Const. Dayne Campbell of VPD (team captain), Bob Lee, Elizabeth Miller, Desiree Luebkemann, Jamie MacPherson, Paul Reese. Also in attendance were former cancer buddies Mason Gregory (2009 buddy) with his girlfriend Katie Russell, and Ryan Moore (2011 buddy) with his mom Kim.
Const. Chris Jay is the Tour de Coast Rider, and he is riding in memory of Isabella Dooley and all past Buddies.
After a delicious dinner, speakers included Const. Campbell and Brooke Sherwood (Canadian Cancer Society BC and Yukon).
Campbell, who has done nine Cops for Cancer rides, said: “The Sunshine Coast kicks the pants off anywhere else in Sea to Sky. I love this community, and we’re really making a huge difference.”
Organizers Carrie Sacco (chair of the Gala committee) and Catherine Gadsby (former chair) were pleased and grateful with the successful event. Gadsby said approximately $54,000 was as raised.
Winner of the Holland America cruise is Coralee Brin and Carole Doerksen was the grand prize winner. She won a .75 carat diamond ring donated by Wakefield Jewellers Ltd.
