Galleon raises $80,000 for Falher rec complex

Richard Froese
Smoky River Express

f Another major donation energized fundraising for Falher Regional Recreation Complex from Galleon Energy Inc. An annual contractor-appreciation evening hosted by Galleon in Falher on April 4 raised the highest total for a fundraising event for the project. “We raised over $80,000 in the evening, and $70,000 alone in the live auction,” says Tom Greschner, vice- president of production for Galleon. A normally-small event turned out to raise a huge profit, he says. “I knew this would happen because contractors support Falher and this recreation project,” says Greschner. Mostly from outside the Smoky River region, about 250 contractors from throughout the Peace region attended. “This is the first year we had an auction,” says Greschner. “I knew the arena fundraising committee was struggling so I decided that Galleon would support it.” Recipients of the funding are grateful for the support from the community and corporate business. “It’s super that these corporations come to our community to raise funds and support special project such as the recreation complex,” says Lorraine Desaulniers who chairs the project fundraising committee of Falher Recreation Development Society. “I thought that this event would raise about $7,000 to $8,000.” “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine we would get this much support,” says Desaulniers. “Everyone did this out of the kindness of their hearts.” Serving and supporting local communities is a priority for Galleon.v “I think I speak for everyone here tonight, not just Galleon, how important it is to recognize that relationships formed by a corporate presence in the community go hand-in-hand with our neighbours where we live and work,” Greschner says. “These partnerships exemplify what most of us have in common.” “We value the friendships formed, both socially and in business, by recognizing that we want to strengthen our community and enhance our overall qualify of life for us and our families.” “Through our efforts this evening, we hope to embark on a future that holds lasting relationships that are valued in every respect.” “Your participation and contribution of funding are welcome and will make a difference to the families and especially the children and families of Falher and surrounding areas.” Galleon has contributed $105,000 in the past year, after presenting a cheque of $25,000 last year in March as the first platinum sponsor. Galleon presented the cheque to the fundraising committee as the biggest corporate donation to the project to upgrade the arena and curling rink. “Falher is the centre of our oil and gas activity in the Peace region and we are committed to support communities where we produce,” says Greschner. “I grew up in a small town and the arena is the heart of the community.” “We like to help wherever we can and support youth sports and cultural programs,” says Greschner, a cousin to former National Hockey League star Ron Greschner who played several seasons with the New York Rangers. “I hope you get lots of support for this project.” Level of sponsorships The fundraising committee recognizes donors of varous levels of sponsorship which include: platinum - $25,000, gold - $10,000, silver - $5,000, bronze - $2,000, red - $1,500, blue - $1,000, white - $500, black - $300, green - $100. For information, or to donate to the project For more information on the sponsorship program, phone Desaulniers at 837-2707 or email to beehive@telusplanet.net.