Belly dancers with the Read My Hips dance troupe are getting ready for their third fundraiser gala intended to benefit women and children with tickets already on sale.
The women’s only event, dubbed the Belly Dance Gala and Fundraiser, brings dance troupes from around central Alberta who will dance the night away while trying to raise money.
Troupe leader Andrea Ramage said this year they decided to raise funds for the Ponoka Elementary School playground project as it fits well with their philosophy. Last year, the group raised over $7,900 for the Parent Link Centre and this year Ramage wants to surpass that amount.
“I’d love to pass the $10,000 line. We haven’t surpassed that yet,” said Ramage.
To help get to that point organizers are out and about seeking donations for silent auction items. The gala is set for Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Kinsmen Community Centre and Ramage said attendees have always enjoyed being able to participate in a women’s night out event. “It’s a celebration of femininity,” she stated.
This year, parents with the Friends of Ponoka Elementary School will be helping out at the evening and Ramage said tickets can be purchased at the Walrus and Carpenter in Ponoka.
Being able to take a hobby and use it to benefit programs is something Ramage is proud of. She says the last two galas sold out and she hopes to sell out again this year.
Seventeen different performances have been planned for the night.