The Prairie Chicks Committee hosts the Prairie Girls Gala every year. A night of fun, and a time for small communities to come together.
Nestled in the County of Newell is a non-profit organization founded in 2013 known as the Prairie Chicks Committee. Each year, this group of ladies have helped their communities by raising money for certain charities and funds, and hosting events throughout the county. Supporting communities such as Brooks, Duchess, Patricia, Bassano, Cassils, and Tilley. March 2025 will hold the twelfth annual Prairie Girls Gala in Bassano, Alberta. The gala is a ladies night out event that includes dinner, live entertainment, silent auction and door prizes.
What they’ve achieved
From the help of their sponsors, the committee has been able to raise over 345,000 dollars since the founding in 2013, and they were able to help some very deserving charities. Some of these charities include:
- The Southern Alberta Child Advocacy Centre
- STARS Air Ambulance
- Alberta Children’s Hospital
- Ronald McDonald House – Southern Alberta
- Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation
- Alberta Cancer Foundation
- Believe in the Gold
- HALO Rescue
All of which, the Prairie Chicks have stated, are “charities who have supported their community members in some way and who continue to provide the valuable services for families who may need them in the future.”
Aarit Hok Pediatric Fund
In 2024, the Prairie Chicks were honoured to support the Aarit Hok Pediatric Fund (AHPF), a legacy fund under the Brooks and District Health Foundation. This charity is specified for the needs of pediatrics at the Brooks Health Centre. Prioritizing for the needs of the emergency department and also assisting all aspects of the hospital in regards to pediatric needs and care. The committee was able to raise over 40,000 dollars for the AHPF and held the gala celebration at the Bassano Community Hall. Catherine Hok, Aarit’s mother, gave a tear-jerking speech at the gala. She said “I was very taken back and shocked by how supportive everyone was.”
Future plans – how you can help
STARS Air Ambulance was the first charity the Prairie Chicks raised money for back in 2013, however the gala has made a much more significant amount for their more recent charities, so the 2025 Prairie Girls Gala will host and raise money for STARS. If you are willing and able to support this event or other events in the future, the committee would graciously accept any monetary gift or silent auction item you would like to donate. For more information, contact Patrice Beasley at patricebeasley@hotmail.com or visit their Facebook page @Prairie Girls Gala.
Personal reflection
As someone who grew up in the County of Newell, this project holds a special place in my heart. The Prairie Girls Gala is something that I have actually been to as a volunteer twice. The first time I attended was in 2022, when my high school grad class and I offered a drive-home service for the gala. And again in 2023, I assisted the county’s fire cadets in the drive-home service. I was excited to get started on this video, and eager to gather as much information as possible. Unfortunately the next gala won’t be hosted until March of 2025, so I wasn’t able to get any new footage of the parties. However, I am very happy and satisfied with the finished product! I was able to interview Catherine Hok, the founder of the Aarit Hok Pediatric Fund, and it was inspiring to hear her story and experiences with the gala. I also interviewed an officer for the RCMP, Sgt. Josh Argue, who is also a volunteer bartender for the gala. He provided some more insider information on the wholesome experience of the galas. All in all, I’m glad I got the chance to create this project, and raise awareness about the heart of these rural communities.
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