It’s been over a decade since the Hungry For Life (HFL) Gala and Auction was first introduced in Cranbrook by local business owner Rick Klassen and physician, Dr. Bob Cutler, to help support citizens in Haiti.

Since organizing the first fundraiser in 2004, Klassen and Cutler have returned to this small Caribbean country numerous times as humanitarians leading a team of doctors, nurses and lay people to assist with medical care, food aid, the building and rebuilding of homes and educational structures, drilling of water wells and construction of a free standing medical clinic that opened in 2013. Grande Gauve, a city roughly the same size as Cranbrook, now has sustainable medical care.

According to Cutler it literally comes down to saving lives. “We are supporting Haitians with life-saving surgeries, and continue to provide HIV and tuberculosis testing and treatment at the new medical clinic we helped build”, he says, stating that these diseases have become a significant scourge in post-earthquake Haiti but are being addressed successfully through organizations such as Hungry for Life and other international aid organizations.

Klassen points out that this work would not be possible without yearly support from the citizens of Cranbrook. “Local donations, our annual Gala and Auction fundraiser and numerous volunteers make it possible for us to deliver hope and provide the means to rebuild stability,” he explains. “We have challenges here at home, but are relatively well off compared to the almost unimaginable poverty in Haiti which has been compounded by the devastating earthquake in 2010 as well as successive hurricanes. Our small team from Cranbrook delivers a large humanitarian impact year after year.”

Asked why he thinks the event is so successful each year, Cutler simply points out that 100% of the profit from Gala evening goes directly to helping the people of Haiti. “It’s important for people to know that their donations go directly to the people,” says Cutler, adding that one of the easiest ways to contribute is to attend the annual Hungry For Life Gala and Auction. “It’s a positive and fun event that financially allows our teams to make a difference.  It’s that spirit of hope and support for the Haitian people that keeps us going back.”

This year’s Hungry For Life Gala and auction takes place on Saturday, May 10 at the Cranbrook Curling Club and once again features renowned auctioneer and entertainer Gery Schubert. Dinner is catered by The Heid-Out.

Dewey, Cheatum and Howe will provide live music for dancing after the dinner and auction portion of the evening and there will be free rides home provided between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. This year’s theme is Down the Rabbit Hole and guests are encouraged to dress Alice in Wonderland style. Tickets are $100 each, a portion of which is tax deductible, and they can be purchased individually or in tables of eight.

For more information, to purchase tickets or to donate auction items please contact Suzanne Thompson in the Kootenay Therapy Centre at 250-426-4629 or Jill Cutler at 250-426-4669.

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