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Media Coverage
The Daily Courier, July 30, 2008 Moonlight brings in big ticket items for NONA Local businesses are pitching in for a good cause. The third annual Moonlight Serenade gala for charity is going to have several big ticket items for auction. The gala is being held at The Rise Aug. 23 to benefit the North Okanagan Neurological Association. "The business community in Vernon and the surrounding area has really rallied around this cause and are contributing to make this year's gala the most successful one yet," said Leona Snider, president and CEO of The Rise. There will be a wide variety of items to bid on such as art from local artists Doug Alcock and Patricia Lawton. Bidders will find everything from luxury all-weather patio furniture from Beachcomber Home Leisure, to must-have sports memorabilia, including an autographed photo of Tiger Woods and autographed jerseys from NHL stars Wayne Gretzky, Trevor Linden and Sidney Crosby, provided by West Coast Authentic. The Golf Club at The Rise is also contributing to the list with a round for four on the Fred Couples signature course, a nine-hole golf lesson and a chef-catered dinner for four at the club. CHBC will also auction off a round of golf with weathercaster Mike Roberts. The Cellars at The Rise is donating three bottles of rare icewine valued at $90 each. Whether it's jewelry or a gym membership, area businesses have ensured guests at the gala will have plenty to choose from. Along with auction items, businesses have also sponsored the event itself, contributing to the food and entertainment for the evening. "It's a great opportunity to give back to the community during what has become the premier event of the summer here in Vernon," Mark Budgen, a partner at Monashee Surveying and Geomatics, said of his company's decision to sponsor the wine for the gala. Funds raised during the auctions will go to benefit NONA. For more than 33 years, NONA has been providing specialized programs, such as music therapy and physio-occupational therapy to more than 400 children a year in the North Okanagan. Its mission is to strengthen the abilities of children with special needs and enhance opportunities for them to participate in their community. The gala is being held at the exclusive Watermark neighbourhood at The Rise. It begins with a champagne reception at 5 p.m. followed by a three-course dinner, prepared by local caterer Gourmet to Go, and accompanied by a selection of fine wines. After the meal, a live and silent auction will be hosted by renowned local auctioneer Don Raffan. Guests at the gala will then be treated to a blast from the past from the Timebenders. The band will take a musical trip through the 1970s, '80s and '90s with memorable tunes from Elton John, Abba, Madonna and many more. Tickets for the black-tie gala are $199 including tax and, if previous years are any indication, a sellout can be expected. Tickets and opportunities to contribute auction items are available by contacting Karen Beaubier at 250-542-5111 or 1-866-400-8488. For additional information regarding the project, click on the logo: 
Reprinted from The Daily Courier |
