Quonset Days Gala in Seven Persons an added measure to fight ALS

By Anna Smith

Commentator/Courier

Following previous success, the second annual Quonset Days Gala is nearly planned and nearly sold out.

“When Covid put a stop to everything we knew that ALS didn’t stop,” said Janet Biemans with Quonset Days. “Those dealing with ALS still needed our help.”

Then came the ideas, searching for an event they could host, until someone finally suggested a dance.

“That lead to a dance with a meal which lead to the Gala. There are very few opportunities to get dressed up anymore so we thought we would try to class things up a bit compared to our summer event,” said Biemans. “We were overwhelmed with the response! In typical Quonset Days fashion, we sold out quite quickly.”

The first gala was a learning experience, said Biemans, but it went well and they’re excited to bring back the event for another year.

“The Gala began as a way for us to raise funds for the ALS Society of Alberta when we had to cancel our Quonset Days summer event for two years. It is a night of great food, laughter, music and fundraising,” said Biemans.

“Our evening starts with games and appetizers followed by Earls preparing and serving an amazing meal using local ingredients. During the dessert we will be entertained by comedian Jody Peters followed by our live auction with our Quonset Days auctioneer Shayne Rhodes. Closing out the evening will be local high energy music group Broadband.”

For those looking to attend again, Biemans noted that much of the previous gala’s format is being used, though they’ve added some games before dinner, as well as a professional photographer for the evening to continue to improve their event.

“Organizing the Gala is quite a bit easier than our summer event. We can organize the Gala in just a couple months where the summer event takes almost a year,” said Biemans.” Gala 2023 is organized for the most part. There are always a few details that can’t be completed until just before the event but we have a great Board of Directors and their families that step up to help any time they are called.”

The event will take place on February 11th at Seven Persons Community Hall, the venue being an easy choice, said Biemans.

“Seven Persons is our home. The support we get from our community is unlike anywhere else,” said Biemans. “The Hall offers every amenity we need to host an amazing event.”

“Hosting fundraisers for the ALS Society of Alberta is very important to our family. After dealing with ALS personally, it was an easy decision to give back to a society that gave us so much in one of our darkest times,” said Biamens. “ALS is a very expensive disease to deal with. Once you receive a diagnosis of ALS you know that your days are numbered. It doesn’t just affect the person with ALS. It affects the family, the friends, the community. Our area in Southern Alberta has lost many wonderful people to ALS and we want those families to know that we are doing this for them. We will continue to raise funds for ALS until they can find a cure so that no other family has to go through what we went through.”

Quonset Days are always looking for more sponsors and have several opportunities to be recognized. Anyone interested in helping out is encouraged to please reach out at quonsetdays@gmail.com. 

Tickets for the Gala are already nearly sold, with only a few tables felt, and interested individuals best hurry to secure their place, and Biemans suggests they watch the Quonset Days Facebook for updates.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the amazing support from our community,” said Biemans. “We have sponsors that step up and give generously every time we call. We have family and friends that are always there to lend a helping hand. We hope that everyone attending the Gala or Quonset Days enjoys it as much as we enjoy putting it on for you.”

Get More Bow Island Commentator →