Grand Forks is going back in time. Back to the ‘50s and ‘60s to be exact, so be sure to dust off your leather jackets and poodle dresses because Habitat for Humanity is hosting a sock hop on May 30.To help promote the event, Margie Henderson and Paul Toijonen dressed the part as they cruised to the local A&W and did the jive.“We’re here to promote a fundraiser were putting on for Habitat for Humanity,” said Henderson. “It’s a ‘50s/’60s dinner and dance sock hop. It’s going to be all kinds of fun. There will be jiving and dancing. There will be a silent auction. We’re going to have servers on roller skates serving burgers.”
Dave Jackson will be on hand to sing top hits from the era.Money raised from the event will help Habitat for Humanity Boundary to build houses in the area, said Henderson, who is on the board of Habitat.A&W in Grand Forks is on board as a sponsor and will be providing dinner.“They came to us and asked if we’d help out being that A&W is often associated with the ‘50s. We said, ‘Sure, we’d love to help,’” said Cheryl Ross, who owns the A&W with her husband Stanley. “We have employed individuals who are disadvantaged or who have disabilities, and who have been fortunate enough to be able to purchase a home with the support of Habitat’s home ownership program. Without the support of Habitat for Humanity, these individuals might not have been able to ever purchase their own homes.”The dance will take place at the Grand Forks Senior’s Centre in City Park starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30. Tickets are available at the Gazette office, A&W, Christina Lake Arts Centre or Copper Eagle in Greenwood.Habitat for Humanity provides affordable permanent housing for single people and families, and also, those living with disabilities. Habitat homes are sold at fair market value (a hand up, not a hand out), with an interest free mortgage, and mortgage payments that do not exceed 30 per cent of the homeowner’s income.“It’s exciting to see the wonderful support that we have received from the community of Grand Forks and the surrounding area,” said Henderson, “especially with having A&W being involved which is a perfect fit.”

Grand Forks Gazette