Last Thursday was a busy evening full of donations and celebrations for the Southwest Facility Foundation.

Partnering with the title group on the Kiwanis Club of Swift Current Foundation of Hope Gala, they managed to raise over $200,000 at the Living Sky Casino. 

This money is going towards the SWFF, which is aiming to raise $8 million to help construct a new recreational facilities in Swift Current.

Sheena Gatzke, a Kiwanis member and Gala co-chair, was uplifted by the support the 200 attending community members contributed to the cause.

"The outpouring of support was truly inspiring," said Gatzke. "It shows how much our community values the importance of recreational facilities."

The facilities that are being sponsored through these donations made to the SWFF are a new aquatic centre and a new field house. The City of Swift Current has been regularly applying for grant money for these facilities but has to date found no success. The idea behind the SWFF is that if they can raise enough community funding, it will encourage the three levels of government to fund the remaining amount needed to build these community-focused facilities.

The Gala itself was an evening that provided fun and entertainment to everyone attending. Fine dining, jovial entertainment, and live and silent auctions. There was even a wildcard auction, which managed to raise almost $33,000. Some of the success can be credited to auctioneer Danny Hooper, who also doubled as the emceed the evening.

All in all, it was a wildly successful evening that pushed the dream of a new aquatic centre or field house closer to reality.

"These facilities will not only benefit the health and well-being of our residents but will also play a key role in attracting tourism and retaining employees," she said. "It's a win-win for our region. The Kiwanis Club of Swift Current will continue its steadfast commitment to support local youth programs and services. They extend their sincere gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the Foundation of Hope Gala, including sponsors, donors, volunteers, and the enthusiastic community members who attended."