It's Canadian Idol meets girls' night out - and no matter who wins, the community benefits.
The Rotary Club of Squamish is putting together a unique event to raise funds for 10 deserving local charities. The Men of Sea to Sky Ladies' Night fundraiser will crown Squamish's top male talent and hand out up to $15,000 to local community groups in the process.
"We're trying to harness some of the energy in the community to help and also have a great time," explains Bill McNeney, one of the organizers of the event.
The gala event takes place on Saturday, June 5 at the Eagle Eye Theatre. Up to 200 ladies will enjoy first-class food prepared by the culinary arts class of Capilano College, complimentary wine and a show with 10 of Squamish's top male entertainers, each representing a non-profit organization in the community, from Sea to Sky Community Services to Big Brothers/Big Sisters to the Squamish Skate Park project.
The top three performers will share half of the total prize pool - up to $7,500 if the event is a sellout - for their chosen charity. The top performer of the night as voted by the judges - a panel including former Squamish Timber Queen winners, members of the media and District of Squamish council - will take home a $500 cash prize.
Each ticketholder will also be able help her favourite charity with 10 votes to cast. Each charity will have an information booth set up to show people the good they do in the community - and offer incentives for votes for them.
"It's a great opportunity to enjoy entertainment and have fun but also to learn about the great things all these groups are doing in our community," says McNeney.
At the end of the night, each charity will receive a portion of the other half of the prize pool based on the number of votes it receives.
Tickets are $100 each and are being sold by representatives of each of the 10 participating charities as well as members of the Squamish Rotary Club.
For more information, contact Judy McQuinn at 604-898-5902.
