Service in Love, Kindness and Strength – that’s what the all-women’s chapter of the Canadian Progress Club stands for. This is the time of year when the SILKS group adds a huge party to their annual program of giving.
The sixth annual Guilty Pleasures event is taking place in just over two weeks. This is the group’s keynote celebration but, more importantly, it also serves as its major fundraiser, helping to support women's and children's charities in Edmonton and St. Albert.
SILKS member Charlene Zoltenko promises that it won’t be a staid affair of standing around making chitchat while protecting your silent auction bids. She exclaimed that apart from the fantastic food, there would be some rousing entertainment, courtesy of the few men who are allowed to attend.
“It’s an evening where we get a bunch of our men friends in tuxes to serve chocolates and champagne, have some great entertainment and auction items, and it’s just a fun night for all!”
Mayor Nolan Crouse will be the emcee and auctioneer while artist Lewis Lavoie will put on his trademarked live painting performance. A fashion show will round out the festivities but certainly the main draw will be in the form of some drag queens.
“I think they should be a good giggle for everybody.”
Apart from the aforementioned champagne and chocolates, there will be a dinner followed by some decadent desserts.
The list of charities that SILKS supports ranges from Brian Layton's Infant Formula program at the St. Albert Food Bank, the Clean Scene Network for Youth, the Prostitution Awareness and Action Foundation of Edmonton and Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association. Mostly, however, it gears itself towards helping out Uncles and Aunts at Large, Camp Warwa, and the Special Olympics.
Zoltenko said SILKS recently made a presentation to St. Albert Stop Abuse in Families at its Red Shoe Gala, handing over a $5,000 cheque that the organization would be using to cover its youth counselling program. She explained the reasoning behind the donation.
“They do a lot of good work. They had a couple of new programs this year that were a little strapped for cash.”
Guilty Pleasures takes place at the Italian Cultural Centre at 14230 133 Avenue in Edmonton. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Each ticket is $100 and can be purchased through the CPC website at www.progressclubab.ca.
