Santa Claus was kept busy during his first annual Brunch with the Rose Garden Hospice. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

By Logan Lehmann

Exceeding expectations

First annual Brunch with Santa a smashing success for Rose Garden Hospice

Dec 1, 2024 | 8:00 AM

The downstairs of Plaza 88 was at max capacity on Saturday for the Rose Garden Hospice’s first annual Brunch with Santa.

The event featured a little bit of everything for all ages and welcomed many local dignitaries, including Premier Scott Moe, newly elected Mayor Bill Powalinsky, and city councillors Dawn Kilmer and Eric Schmalz to name a few.

Ian Dickson, Community Engagement and Fundraising Coordinator for the Hospice, said the support is beyond what they expected.

“We decided when we’re organizing these to aim high and just go big and see what happens,” he said, also speaking to the first annual ‘Run for Rose’ earlier this year that was also a big success. “So far, we’ve been blown away with both events – this one specifically, it’s just surpassed all of our expectations.”

The event, presented by Broda Group and Barry and Donna Dutchak, had a goal to raise $50,000 for the Hospice and they surpassed that with flying colours from not only ticket sales, but also from a live and silent auction.

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Some attendees check out some of the Christmas trees that were being auctioned off. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

The Malcolm Jenkins Family Foundation were originally going to match the sale of the auctions up to $10,000, however, they surprised everyone and instead matched up to $25,000, helping the Hospice reach their goal in no time at all.

Dickson added the flood of funds was much more than what was anticipated.

“I was blown away by so many people in the community that stepped up, I’m just ecstatic right now. We put as many tables in that room as we could. We were hoping for 350 people and we’ve got that, plus about 40 or 50 volunteers as well that are here.”

As for how the Brunch was first brought to light, Dickson explained they were trying to fill a gap in Prince Albert’s holiday season.

“We knew that there was a hole in the community in terms of the loss of the Festival of Trees, so Sharon Griffin, who’s our vice chair on the board for the Rose Garden Hospice, had the idea of finding something that would be a good replacement for that, that could benefit the Hospice as well as the community. So she came up with the idea of doing this Brunch for Santa event.”

All of the tables had a Christmas tree as its centerpiece and were also up for sale. Not one tree was left unsold. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

The brunch itself featured scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, waffles, as well as fruit and waffle toppings. Meanwhile, some of the family friendly activities included photos with Santa Claus himself, cookie decorating, Christmas card crafting, a decor sale, senior’s corner, family fun selfie station, Santa’s workshop, beverage station, a tree of giving, and a pay it forward station, where attendees could donate to the Rose Garden Hospice in their name or in the name of a loved one.

“We’re already on the committee talking about ideas for next year,” said Dickson.

(Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

(Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

(Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

(Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com