Elks get ready for 33rd annual auction

Posted on January 25, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Anna Smith
Commentator/Courier

While they admit they likely won’t know the scope of their auction until the day of, the Bow Island Elks are just about ready for their main fundraiser of the year in the steak supper and auction.

The event will take place on Saturday, January 27, at the Bow Island Legion Hall, and after 33 years, the art of putting the night together is more or less a well oiled machine, said member Brett Wozniak.

“Over the last five years we’ve raised $290,000,” said Wozniak. “All of it is going back into the community, of course.”

“Most of the items that come in are donated to us. And…we get quite a bit of money donated to us, which we in turn go out and purchase things with, or we give away cash prizes,” said Wozniak, adding that the cash and door prizes often prove ideal for getting more interest from community members in attending the auction. 

They extend their thanks to the various communities along the Highway 3 corridor for making the event possible with their donations.

The supper has sold out for the past several years, and the Elks predict that this year will, in the very least, come extremely close, and as such those interested in attending should contact an Elks member as soon as possible to secure their ticket. Tickets themselves cost $50.

As a service club, the Elks make yearly donations to organizations such as the local food bank, HALO, and other organizations in need, as well as projects such as the splash park or the new playground going up in the Westview subdivision.

Wozniak added that anyone with a cause or project is welcome to come forward and ask for help, as the Elks are generally happy to lend a hand to anyone looking to improve the community. 

Those interested in attending are asked to contact Wozniak at 403-952-8374 to secure their seat, as he adds that they seat only 180 guests during the event.

The event commences with cocktails at 5 p.m., followed by supper at 5:30 p.m.