Submitted by:
Patty Gattinger |

Our annual fundraising banquet was held on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011. This was a special year for the local Ducks Unlimited committee as it marked the 30th Anniversary of the banquet.

Things got underway at 5:30 p.m. with h’orderves being served as people viewed the different raffle tables that were on display in the War Veterans Community Hall. Ticket sales were brisk as everyone was hoping they would be one of the eventual, lucky winners.

The Sportsman Raffle is always a popular raffle as it contains numerous items to get anyone’s camping experience going.

Other raffles included the Wingspan, Bucket, Tier Table, Deal or No Deal and Heads or Tail. A new raffle held this year was our 30th Anniversary
Raffle. Along with buying a ticket with a chance to win a wine rack with wine, everyone received two special 30th Anniversary stemless wine glasses.

The Ladies Raffle was once again a popular raffle where the ticket purchasers received two stemless wine glasses (one containing a floral arrangement).

This year, like other years, we had the wonderful volunteer help, in ticket selling for the numerous raffles, from the Sorority Ladies as well as the Envirothon Students.

Just over 200 people attended the event this year. It was wonderful to see many young, new faces at the banquet. We had many positive comments about the event which was wonderful to hear as we had undertaken a few changes to the event – new raffles, layout of the hall, as well as menu.
Throughout the evening draws were being made on the various raffles. A Silent Auction also took place throughout the evening.

After supper Long Standing Service Certificates were handed out to committee members.
10 Years – Wayne Antichow, Duane Whyte
15 years – Ward Perchuk
25 Years – Erv Parahoniak
30 Years – Dick Walker, Dave Theunissen.

The evening was capped off by our Live Auction. Again, we thank Randy Hart for the great auctioneering he does for this event.

The Live Auction is always a part of the Annual Event that is looked forward to as it provides much entertainment, many laughs, brisk bidding and sometimes very competitive bidding between friends.


We would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s event to help make it the success it was. Also, thank you to our many donors, sponsors, volunteers, as well as committee members. This event would not continue without your wonderful support.