ARCOLA - After 15 years of dedicated service and creativity, Darlene Olsen is concluding her journey as the driving force behind Creative Tables, an event that has brought people together and raised awareness for cancer patients.
On Oct. 17, at the Arcola Prairie Place Complex in Arcola, around 300 people gathered to enjoy the event, which is to go down in history as the last one Olsen will host.
As in other years, tables were purchased and the hostess of the table created a theme. The imagination at some of the tables was very elaborate. Guests come to match the tables, and there is usually a small gift from the hostess for the guests to take home in memory of the night.
Olsen welcomed everyone to the evening and thanked everyone for supporting this important cause. She applauded all of the hostesses over the years for bringing out their creative side with the unique designs of the tables.
“This would not happen without you,” said Olsen. “You have made the Creative Tables such a success with your support over the years.”
She remembers the fourth year that she held the event. The day before she went to get her liquor licence, she was told it was filled out wrong and she was not getting one. She explained to the liquor store that she had filled it out the same way the first three years, and was informed that those years were wrong as well.
With no liquor licence, the show had to go on, as the hall was booked and tickets were sold, so they made all the fancy drinks they could think of without the alcohol. The night went over very well.
Supper was prepared by Steve and Allison’s Catering from Lampman, with the dinner rolls donated by Arcola Foods.
On the north and west side of the hall were the silent auction items. Guests eagerly bid as they knew it was all for a good cause.
Nicole Currie came to the podium and spoke about Olsen, her compassion and how fabulous Olsen is.
“She is the most caring person I know,” said Currie. “There is not a person she does not know, and she has touched many lives.”
When COVID-19 hit, there wasn't a Creative Tables event, and Olsen wanted to do something. She, along with a few others, raised over $40,000 to shave their heads. It was one of the best fundraisers they had.
Nora Yeates, the CEO of the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan (CFS), said the program began in 2018. In five years, $20 million have been raised, with every cent staying in Saskatchewan.
They have helped purchase a rural bus, and now another one is in the works. New chemotherapy chairs were purchased for the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, along with screens for the nurses to keep tabs on their patients. The other side has a TV for patients to watch. They are also looking into upgrades for the cancer lodge in Regina.
The mammogram program has been dropped to the age of 40, so more women will be needing the rural bus.
Deborah Brimner-Chalus provided entertainment. She admitted she had not sung in a while, but her voice carried throughout the hall.
As Olsen steps away from Creative Tables, her legacy of kindness, creativity, and advocacy will endure. While this may be the final year for Creative Tables under her leadership, the event’s influence will continue to inspire others.
Olsen has been with Mary Kay Inc. for 46 years, and the company is heavily involved in the Feel Good Look Good program for cancer patients. They offer women who have gone through cancer treatments the opportunity to try new skin care and makeup products, giving them the feeling of being beautiful. Many women go in with self esteem issues and they leave this program feeling like a million dollars.
Her work with the Look Good Feel Good program will continue, as will her passion for supporting cancer patients in meaningful ways.
