By Corey Fischer

Charity Scores Big From Civic Heritage Game

Jan 8, 2018 | 12:19 PM

Photo: Members of the Prince George Spruce Kings and Vernon Vipers pose for photo at end of Saturday’s game, the final BCHL game at the 80 year old building which is due for demolition.

The Vernon Vipers might not have won the final game at the Civic Arena — but the game was a huge win for a local non-profit group.

Dean Francks, executive director of North Okanagan Youth and Family Services, says the event raised $23,048 for its programs and services.

“It was a huge success. It was a super exciting night, and we’re getting a lot of great feedback, a lot of happy faces. It was bittersweet as we’re saying goodby to one of my favorite buildings of all time, and I think a lot of other people will have the same sentiment,” Francks tell Beach Radio News.

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Francks says the proceeds came from corporate sponsorships, 50-50 ticket sale, program sales, and auctions of sticks and jerseys.

He says one of the top auction items was a vintage Vipers jersey signed by the 12 local hockey products honoured before the game.

That was bought by the law firm Nixon Wenger for $1,800.

“In keeping with the heritage theme, we brought in 24 wood sticks for the Vipers warm up. The Vipers signed them right after warm up, and we auctioned them off in the lobby. Everyone had a lot of fun with that, and there were a lot of happy bidders for sure.”

Francks says the proceeds will also be used to expand its downtown building, adding a new parenting-group education room.

“We’re bursting at the seams here, and we need to add some space onto our downtown building, so that’s what we’ll be doing.”

NOYFSS is a registered, non-profit, charitable organization that has been serving families of the North Okanagan since 1974. It provides counselling and support services to individuals and families through a variety of community based and residential programs.

Prince George won the final game 3-2, before a sold out crowd of about 2,200 hundred fans.

by Corey Fischer