Sometimes it’s OK to celebrate special occasions a little late.
ECRA Valentine’s Social is a dinner dance set for Saturday, Feb. 15 just one day after Cupid’s arrow has struck the hearts of couples everywhere.
This fun event sees proceeds going to the Elder Citizens Recreation Association’s sound system project. The centre is busy fundraising to replace the old sound system with another better suited for the busy seniors’ organization to meet the needs of all the groups that use the facility.
Cindy Baur, first vice-president on the ECRA board and catering director at the centre, is organizing the social.
“The biggest thing is that the sound system we have at the centre was a used donated one and it’s at that point where no, they don’t even make those parts any more so last year we just decided that we would apply for some grants so we could replace our sound system," Baur said. "Unfortunately the system we need to replace is going to cost $30,000. We did obtain one grant and we’ve had a few donations from private individuals who are members of ECRA but we still need a little bit more so that’s why we decided to put on this Valentine’s social with net proceeds going to the project.”
The menu for dinner includes diced chicken in a creamy garlic sauce, roasted potatoes, carrots and zucchini, a green salad, homemade buns, and for dessert, chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache.
After dinner the Theresa Jordan Band takes to the stage to help everyone wear off that scrumptious dinner.
“A member of the band and one who’s in charge of the sound system are ECRA members and they offered to do this free of charge as they know how difficult it is to deal with the sound system we currently have,” Baur said.
It’s a great way to support the centre, she added.
“It’s huge and that’s the type of members we have here,” Baur said. “The centre doesn’t operate unless we have volunteers from our members and non-members as well. So come out and have a great time.”
Jordan has been entertaining the community since 2005 and was a solo artist for most of that.
“Up until last year I haven’t really played with bands,” Jordan said.
She’s performed at several events like the Festival of Trees, MS Walk, ALS Walk, Kidney Walk, Relay for Life, Summerfest, Canada Day, Spring Arts Bazaar and often can be seen at coffee houses, restaurants and senior centres.
Jordan has joined the Tabor Creek Band, starring well-known musician Rick Stavely, and their most recent song, Get It Right, has risen to No. 13 on the Canadian Independent Country Countdown. Jordan has also recently joined a Prince George band, The Kickers, who you can find performing at Nelly’s Pub on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 and at the Hart Ski Hill during a solo performance on Feb. 7.
Jordan started rehearsing with musicians John Burke and Steve McMullin about a year ago to form the Theresa Jordan Band.
“We played during John’s birthday in August and then John thought we might start playing at ECRA to entertain people at Christmas time and then later do a fundraiser but I got laryngitis over Christmas and that was going to be our first time,” Jordan explained. “But we’re going to go ahead with the Feb. 15 Valentine’s Social and that will be our first time playing.”
Guests at the dinner dance will hear danceable tunes including lots of country.
“We’ll play music we know everyone will enjoy,” Jordan said. “This project is close to John’s heart as he will be taking over the sound at the centre. So it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
ECRA Valentine’s Social goes Saturday, Feb. 15. Doors open at 4 p.m., 50/50 tickets sales go from 4 to 6:15 p.m. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. and dance begins at 6:15. Tickets are $25 each available at the ECRA’s centre, 1692 Tenth Ave., Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
