Chilliwack Restorative Justice and Youth Advocacy Association are having a “Blacktie Beanfest” fundraising event to raise much needed funds to continue the work that they do to keep our community safe and healthy. On Friday, Feb. 14 the stage will be set for a variety show featuring ‘The Magic of the Mind’ hypnotist Lee Dyson and ‘Essence of Elvis’ Jeff Bodner.
Said executive director Kathy Funk: “What a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and we are making this event all about giving back”.
The first ever Blacktie Beanfest is just how it sounds. The twist is you wear your black & white best with your finest jeans for this relaxed fun filled evening. Yes, you heard it right you will be handed a bowl of Elvis’s favourite baked beans. Funk adds, “We want most of your ticket money to go to Restorative Justice and not a fancy meal”.
Mike Csoka of the Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society said, “Supplying beans for this event is a great partnership for the work that we do in this community”. A portion of the ticket sales will go as a donation to their society.
Tickets are now on sale at $50 each, or a table of 10 for $400. Most of the money will be income tax receipted. There will be fun extras like photo booths and other vignettes along with a no host bar.
Both Dyson and Bodner know first hand the effectiveness of Restorative Justice in this Community having seen the program in action over the years in their career as RCMP members. Hypnotist Lee Dyson brings a thorough knowledge of hypnosis to every event, having been trained with Las Vegas headliners and world class authors on the subject. Dyson has a gregarious personality and will have everyone involved fully engaged. Bodner has been an Elvis performer since 1987 and over the past few years he has brought his act to a level of quality and unmatched professionalism in his field. Together they promised a show to remember.
“Have a Heart for Restorative Justice” and make this a memorable Valentine’s Day! The event is at Evergreen Hall, doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Community Crime Prevention Services office on Wellington Avenue, or at Bella Clothing Boutique in The Village at Sardis Park.
