The Nisqually Valley Moose Lodge will host its second and final Santa’s Little Helpers holiday fundraiser program from 4:30 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29.
The program, which has been around for over 10 years, has helped create fond memories for people in the community who need a little help around Christmas time.
Last year, the Moose Lodge was able to help 20 kids and five seniors. Fraternal Activity Chair Rhonda Kinnaman said they hope to increase that number this year.
The fundraiser will feature a silent auction from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. During the event, people can listen to the band “New Norm,” who is set to perform at 7 p.m.
While the event is geared toward helping families during the holidays, it will feature a costume contest since the fundraiser is set to be hosted around the time of Halloween.
Dinner will be prepared by Gale Gibb, the committee chair for the Santa’s Little Helpers program. The dinner will include pork loin with maple cherry sauce, scalloped potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls and turtle cheesecake.
“She is just a fantastic cook,” Kinnaman said.
Last year, the Nisqually Valley Moose Lodge, Anytime Fitness and Grocery Outlet worked with Andrew Kollar, the community relations coordinator for Yelm Community Schools to carry out the Santa’s Little Helpers program.
They will do the same this year, all under strict confidentiality for the families. Giving trees will be set up at the three locations so people can choose a gift tag and purchase the items listed.
“While going around the community soliciting donations for the silent auction, we heard some wonderful and touching stories about how Santa’s Little Helpers had really touched their lives in the past,” Kinnaman said. “We have been really going around and getting donations for the auction from the community. We’re really thinking outside the box and asking local businesses and artists.”
Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at the Moose Lodge for $15 or for $20 at the door. Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, Oct. 26. Dinner is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The dance and auction are free and open to the public.
Several local businesses and artists participated in the first fundraiser of the year for the program.
Those businesses and artists include Jessica's Kustom Etchings, Mountain Lumber, O'Reilly's Auto Parts, Auto Zone, Mariachi Alegra, Ma & Pa's Family Diner, Rainier Chiropractor, Mr. Doug's Restaurant, Family Trees Sculpting, B & R Schafer, Razor's Wood, Williams Woodworking, Anytime Fitness, Walmart, Yelm Cinemas & Uptown Lounge, Beyond The Purple Door, J & I Saw Shop, Tractor Supply, Yelm Farm and Pet, Be Joyful Holistics, RPS Marketing out of Bothell, Carrie's Critters, Natural Beginnings from Chehalis, Tahoma Valley Golf and Gee Gees Quilting.
“You made it a wonderful success, and because of you, we will be able to help many families this year,” Kinnaman said. “Thank you.”
For more information or to donate to the program, people can contact Kinnaman at RRKIN108@hotmail.com.
