Fundraisers and Campaigns
Expanding Our Reach
Events and campaigns are core to Inclusion Foothills' success.
First, we receive little funding directly from the government. The Family Support programs we offer, such as Sibshops, One-to-One Support, and the Resource Library, are made possible through grants and additional fundraising efforts. Monetary donations and corporate sponsorship are welcome as well.
Second, events are an opportunity to raise awareness about what we do and who we can help. Individuals with pan disabilities, their families, guardians and others connected to them, need to know they are not alone. We are here to advocate and connect them with the resources they need from care and support through employment.
Third, giving back to the community that supports Inclusion Foothills is important to us. There is much talent, beauty and good people to celebrate.
Chip In For Inclusion Golf Tournament
Date: June 2022
Spend a gorgeous June afternoon on the links with your friends or co-workers. Each year, a different golf course in the Foothills is the site of fun and raising funds for inclusive communities. The 4-player scramble includes 18 holes and a golf cart capped off by a reception, delicious dinner, and silent auction.
Don’t have a foursome to sign up? No worries! We welcome singles, doubles, and threesomes to signup and be placed on a team of four. This is a great chance to meet new golf enthusiasts as well as individuals or parents of children that have taken our programs. As well, you create a memorable and valuable experience for our program participants.
Charitable Chairs
Date: April - July 2022
Imagine relaxing in your one-of-a-kind custom painted Adirondack chair knowing you made a difference towards inclusive living. Inclusion-minded local businesses and community members come together in this fun and creative way to raise awareness and funds. Participating businesses receive their “blank canvas” Adirondack chair in April and have their masterpieces painted in time for mid-June and the High River Farmers’ Market.
The chairs generate quite the buzz each week at the Market. They are on display and raffle tickets for each chair are sold until mid-July. The following week the raffle winners are drawn, according to AGLC rules, making for a high-energy, unique Market experience. Businesses are welcome to be part of the Draw Day festivities and connect with patrons from the community.
Kings, Queens and Everything In Between Drag Show
Date: Friday, November 4, 2022 @ Heritage Inn High River
The rousing success of 2019’s Kings and Queens in High River was followed by two shows in 2021! Hub Town Brewery hosted the drag show in Okotoks while Hard Knox Brewery brought the show to Black Diamond.
All three shows helped raise awareness about Inclusion Foothills. We welcome people from all walks of life with disabilities and barriers to the supports we provide. The three shows raised over $11,300 put directly towards Family Support Programs that receive no government funding and rely solely on community funding to operate. These programs advocate for inclusive education, inclusive recreation, and assistance and advocacy to have the needed supports for their family member.
Spring & Winter Markets
Dates: May and December 2022
Our downtown seasonal Spring and Winter Markets raise money for Inclusion Foothills while supporting the many talented local crafters and makers in our area. Take in the Spring Market with the Little Britches Parade on the May Long Weekend. The Winter Market is open for Christmas shopping on the first Friday and Saturday in December. Get in the holiday mood being at the heart of Light Up George Lane Park and Santa Claus Parade.
The Winter and Spring Markets provide much needed program funding during the early months of the year. Proceeds often make the difference in continuing services or not. The Markets offer an indirect benefit as well. Individuals in our inclusive employment programs have short-term employment to help vendors from set up through take down. More than 80 small business witness first-hand how people with barriers can provide quality services.
We are grateful to be part of two local fundraising initiatives that support our programs while raising awareness about the importance of inclusion.
Shaw Birdies For Kids
Date: March - August 2022
The Shaw Birdies For Kids presented by Altalink coincides with the Shaw Charity Classic each August. In addition to engaging the community with the golf tournament, the program helps to increase donations and provide matching funds to make contributions go even further.
Western Wheel Cares
Date: November 1 - December 31, 2022
Since 2012, Western Wheels Cares is an annual campaign that collects contributions primarily from Foothills’ area businesses and individuals, and distributes the funds to participating charities. With the campaign spanning the holiday season, Western Wheel Cares donations are put towards ensuring Family Supports Programs can be offered in the early months of the new year.
Over But Not Forgotten
While two of our most popular fundraisers have come to a close, we look back with fond memories and look forward to our exciting new ways to connect with the community.
Show the Love! HeArt Gala
Final gala: 2020
Showing the Love, One Picture at a Time
February is the month for hearts and love. The HeArt Gala celebrated a love for art and our talented local artists in a fun-filled evening.
The event began in 2009 and quickly became a popular annual fundraiser. Proceeds from art show and silent auction helped fund much-needed programs at Inclusion Foothills like Sibshops, and, One-to-One Support.
The creativity and laughter that flowed through each gala continues to fill our new fundraisers.
Leather 'n' Chaps
Final ride: 2021
