Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Duelling Pianos is making its way back to Falher on Dec. 6 as a fundraiser for two prominent groups in the community.
Diamonds in December, the 12th Annual Gala at the Smoky River Community Hall, is sure to be an event worth kicking off the Christmas season celebrations.
Organizer Paige Rey says the event is a joint effort between the Smoky River Community Hall and Friends of Falher Ball Diamonds Society.
“We are $60,000 away from completing the Falher Baseball Diamond Revitalization Project,” explains Rey.
“The remaining pieces including signage, bleachers, and dugouts. Our portion of the funds raised from the gala will go towards these items.”
Doors open at 5 p.m. and will feature duelling pianos, a professional emcee, a silent auction, and supper catered by Lefty’s Catering.
“Kick off the holiday season with us,” exclaims Rey. “All of the funds raised are going towards not one but two great causes – the ongoing operations of the hall and the completion of the Falher baseball diamonds,” she adds.
“These two causes impact everyone in the region. It is also a great place to celebrate company Christmas parties and any business that does so will be recognized at the event.”
Friends of Falher Ball Diamonds Society are also looking for multiple levels of sponsors, from Diamond Sponsor at $50,000, Naming Rights Sponsor $15,000, Grand Slam $10,000, Triple Play $2,000, Base Hit $1,000, and Community $250.
All information about what the donations get you are on their Facebook page or can be obtained by calling either Lise or Paige.
“The bleachers are currently being built by the Georges P. Vanier Industrial Arts class. The funds for the hall are going towards the ongoing maintenance of the hall and repairs including the leaking roof as a large project.”
“The gala is an annual event that began 13 years ago, as a fundraiser for Smoky River Minor Hockey,” explains Rey.
“Three years ago when the Smoky River Community Hall fell on financial hardship they ran the event for the year and work with Minor Hockey each year to determine who wants to take on that event. The event is held the first Saturday of December and is a time for the community to gather and celebrate during the holiday season while raising money for an important cause.”
Tickets for the event are $100 each and there is an opportunity to receive a discount for tables of eight, 10 or 12.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting https://diamondsindecember.rsvpify.com or by contacting Lise (780) 837-1709 or Paige (780) 837-6222.