The Creston Valley Agricultural Society has hosted its annual Harvest Ball for several years, but a group of enthusiastic and inspiring women who were normally involved in the planning the event felt it was time for a change.
And a change it was with the formation of a new event called “Breaking New Ground”, an evening to create a networking event for the women of the Creston Valley.
The event and its organizers set an objective for its inaugural November event to raise awareness and create business, as well as social connections between farm businesswomen and city businesswomen. Not only was the desire to spread wings of collaboration, the group also felt it wanted the event to have a social conscience by setting a charitable cause, with proceeds from the evening going toward the purchase of a labour/birthing bed for the Creston Valley Hospital.
The evening was a resounding success, with over 70 women attending the event that highlighted motivational speaker Lenona Dargris accompanied by mouth-watering tapas compliments of Michele Staggs from Buffalo Trails.
MC Tammy Harwick did a fabulous job keeping the guests involved, whether it was encouraging them to visit vendor displays (compliments of Steeped Tea, Mary Kay, the lavender lady or Creative Fix) or stopping to take a loving or crazy picture with props at the Natalie Santano’s photo booth. After hours of dancing to the sweet sounds of DJ Vern Gorham, the stilettos and cowgirl boots were thrown to the corner.
By the end of the night, everyone was overjoyed at seeing or meeting new friends and raised a fabulous $600 for a birthing bed for the Creston Valley Hospital.
The event organizers extend their appreciation to the businesses and individuals who supported the event and also send a huge round of applause to those who attended. The Creston Valley Agricultural Society looks forward to welcoming guests back next year.
The East Kootenay Foundation for Health is the regional hospital foundation and holds funds in trust for various areas of care for the East Kootenay Regional Hospital and facilities located in Creston, Elk Valley, Kimberley, Cranbrook, Invermere and Golden. EKFH is a non-profit society and public charitable foundation.
—EAST KOOTENAY FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH