ESTEVAN - The Broken Arrow Youth Ranch is grateful for the support shown during its annual fundraiser in Estevan.
More than 150 people attended the benefit April 5 at the Estevan Leisure Centre's multipurpose room. They enjoyed a supper from EB's Catering, music from the Daae Family's Daniel and Lauren Daae and their children, and a speech by former professional hockey player Brad Cole. Lara Moroz, who operates the ranch with her husband Todd, a former Estevan resident, among others, said they believe this year's fundraiser was the "best ever". The program flowed nicely and people were generous.
"Some people that have come to every one, they just thought the entertainment was so good, as was the speaker, and they just enjoyed the evening," said Lara Moroz.
Cole reflected on his hockey career and what he's done since retiring. He played more than 230 games in the Western Hockey League over four seasons, and then played 11 seasons of professional hockey in North America and Europe.
He talked about his battles with alcohol, and how a former teammate helped him turn his life around and become a Christian. Cole and his wife have four children and operate a bee farm in Manitoba.
The ranch has been hosting a fundraiser during the Estevan Strippers Molson Spring Bust Tournament for years, often in the form of a luncheon. For the first time, the event was a supper.
The Estevan Broken Arrow Bruins also compete in the tournament each year.
Moroz said the staff with the City of Estevan was very good and patient.
A music video for the song "If I Die Tomorrow" by Judah Wardrope was shown. Wardrope is a musician now living in B.C. who lived and studied at the ranch years ago and also worked with Broken Arrow.
A final total for the event has not been tabulated.
The ranch also held a Pick your Pig fundraiser during the tournament. Supporters purchased tickets, and either wrote their own name down or that of someone else. The winner could either pick the pig or give it back to the ranch for a donation.
Proceeds of the dinner and the pig draw will be directed towards the ranch's operating expenses to pay bills associated with having young people stay at the facility. Moroz noted they don't charge families the cost of staying at the site.
Moroz said they currently have one youth living there and another on the wait list. The ranch mother is awaiting back surgery and so they can't accept new residents. Young people stay there for a number of different reasons, and they learn chores and life skills, and attend classes.
If people want to support the ranch, they can reach out Broken Arrow.
