Trail’s Sanctuary pre-teen after school program is marking 15 years of operation this summer and the team that is organizing the gala Alley Bash planned for Sept. 14 at the Royal Theatre in Trail to celebrate the anniversary is excited to be bringing the event to the downtown core.
“This will be a unique, innovative celebration for a program that is also unique and innovative in its approach to supporting pre-teens in our community,” said Sanctuary director, Betty Anne Marino. “This is a thank you to the community for 15 years of support of Sanctuary.”
The movie portion of the bash is now finalized with the confirmation that “Turbo,” a newly released animated feature from DreamWorks Studios will be the free family film offering from 2 to 4 p.m. followed by cake and beverages for the kids.
The celebration continues after with a more adult focus starting with the Champagne Reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the
3D feature film, Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away, with the party getting into full swing afterwards with live music by the Tony Ferraro Jazz combo, wood-fired pizza by Rustic Crust, and drinks being served in the licensed (adults only) Alley Bash.
The Sanctuary program at the centre of entire event began in Trail as a pre-teen drop-in in the rear of the former Kate’s Kitchen on Bay Avenue for relatively few kids.
The program has now grown to the point where it has purchased its own building and now provides supportive environment for as many as 64 children, five days a week, including free dinner and activities on a year-round basis.
In addition to the kids program, the Sanctuary building now also houses four affordable housing apartments and two hospital suites available for individuals who have had to travel to obtain treatment at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital.
“This is an amazing success story as Sanctuary becomes independent and self-sufficient,” said Carol Vanelli Worosz, communications manager for Teck Metals Ltd., a major sponsor of Sanctuary. “Coming from humble beginnings it’s helping people as it becomes more self-sufficient, it gives back to the community as it grows. It’s great from a sponsor’s perspective.”
The event all takes place in and around the Royal Theatre on Bay Avenue in downtown Trail with the parking area in front and alleyway to the side and rear of the theatre being sectioned off to contain the celebration.
“This an off-the-hook celebration, let’s challenge the public to sell this out,” said Royal Theatre owner/manager, Lisa Milne. “We’re going to light up the alley and the street and have the big tents up. It’s for the kids and a passion for Trail to thrive as a whole.”