Accompanied by his mother, seven-year-old Keaton Constant strikes a pose at the Optimist gala. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community support

Optimist gala helps make wishes come true

Oct 2, 2022 | 1:00 PM

Candace Constant says the family was absolutely floored when she received the call from Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Candace’s seven-year-old Keaton Constant was among the special dignitaries in attendance for Saturday night’s Optimist Club gala which raised over $55,000.

“Listening tonight to how high all these bids went just really touched my soul because we are one of those famines that were able to get a travel trailer for Keaton from the generosity of people like you,” she said while fighting back tears. “We are so thankful”

Despite being diagnosed with femoral focal deficiency and a congenital heart defect, Keaton, a grade three student at Vicker’s school, is showing no signs of slowing down. Last June, Make-A-Wish Canada delivered Keaton a travel trailer, with help from the Prince Albert RCMP, who adopted Keaton’s wish.

“It truly made a difference in his life as he now has the ability to travel and participate in what he loves most, the pow wows,” Candace said.

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Candance explained Keaton has made good use of his travel trailer and over the course of 44 days this summer, they attended powwows on 41 of those days.

“They travelled everywhere from Thunderchild to Pasqua and everywhere in between,” she explained.

Keatons’s last powwow was in his home community of Wahpeton and was bestowed the special name of Wapteon’s Little Warrior.

“He will now be representing Wahpteon at powwows and other cultural events for the next two years,” Candace said, adding he will be singing next week at a conference for honouring our children.

These specialty made cakes added some extra flavour for the event. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

All the money raised from this weekend’s gala stays in Prince Albert. Allyson Toye, Development Manager for Make a Wish Saskatchewan told the crowd there are 18 children on the list locally, waiting for wishes.

“Together we create life changing wishes for children with critical illnesses so thank you Prince Albert and area for the continued support,” she said.

Allyson Toye. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The gala included a diamond dig, raffle and both a silent and live auction. Among the highest biddest items including over a dozen specialty made cakes which raised over $16,000.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell