STOUGHTON - Family, friends, staff and residents of the New Hope Pioneer Lodge enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon on July 30.
Upon walking up to the lodge, the sidewalk had been painted with colourful flowers and a welcome to those that attended, with balloons hanging on the railing.
In the lounge, the music could be heard by the Caragana Rambles from Forget, as they entertained the residents and guests.
With the heat, it was decided to have the band indoors, as there was also a chance for a thunderstorm.
In the room across from the lounge, tables were set up with multiple donations from local and area businesses for a silent auction, which was held throughout the day.
Alanna Threinen just returned to work two months ago from parental leave and is now the new activities director.
It was her hope to raise $10,000 to purchase an Obie for the seniors, which would allow the seniors a projection screen for entertainment.
This device is a gaming console that projects images onto a variety of surfaces, offering hours of fun for the residents and those that visit.
Approximately 100 people came out for the afternoon.
On the barbecue menu were hamburgers and hotdogs, with the grill being provided by the Stoughton Co-op.
An array of salads, drinks and desserts gave all that attended a chance to fill their bellies, free of charge. Threinen said this was a way they could give back to those that always support the residents.
A large gift basket and a $150 gift card, donated by Stoughton Meat Market, were up for grabs with a free raffle, which was won by Lynne St. John.
When the day began, Threinen said they had received $7,680 in cash donations and the number kept growing.
The silent auction brought in $1,970, and by the end of the day they had raised $10,414, enough to purchase the Obie.
Threinen is very grateful for the turnout and the generosity of the businesses and people that made this possible.
This barbecue will become an annual event and Threinen looks forward to many more years.
She said the residents love visitors and they are always welcome to come and spend time with the people in New Hope Pioneer Lodge.
The residents also had a float in the Stoughton Daze Parade and have gone on outings to different places.
“It is all in keeping the residents happy,” said Threinen.
