Vernon, BC – The second annual North Okanagan First Responders Tribute Night attracted 2,600 people including more than 500 first responders and their families for a B.C. Hockey League game between the Vernon Vipers and the Penticton Vees. The event was free for police, firefighters, ambulance attendants, search and rescue personnel and emergency roadside assistance providers.
A video tribute to the life-saving and often dangerous work of first responders received a standing ovation from the audience. Next, retired search and rescue dog Zena had the honour of dropping the game-starting puck!
This fun, heart-warming evening on November 12, 2016 was made possible by many generous sponsors. The Vipers donated 500 tickets and also offered reduced price tickets to first responders from the Shuswap and Central Okanagan. Kal Tire purchased
200 tickets for family members. Sutton Group – Lakefront Realty provided meeting space for planners and volunteers for event. The Morning Star and Kiss FM provided publicity. Several local merchants also donated gift basket prizes.
“The Sutton REALTORS® were the backbone of the organizing committee,” says Beth Marks, who served as chairperson. The team also sold 50/50 draw tickets during the game so that the firefighters, who usually sell tickets, could enjoy the game. Chris Kulak of the Vernon Fire Department reports that 50/50 proceeds were more than double the usual amount. The recipient charity was Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
Beth is pleased to report that attendance by first responders and their families was up
25 per cent compared to their inaugural event in 2015. She expects that the Tribute Night will be back next year, bigger and better than ever!
Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company with more than 8,000 REALTORS® in over 200 offices nationwide. To find out more about Sutton, visit www.sutton.com. To learn more about Sutton Spirit, visit www.suttonspirit.com.
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Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd. Contact:
Sandra Vujatovic
604-691-1655
Sutton Group – Lakefront Realty Contact:
Kim Hay
250-549-3944
Beth Marks
250-549-3944
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