The major fundraiser for Astonished!

By Dale Johnson Posted: February 29, 2016 6:00 a.m.

Astonished! core members (front , l-r) Kelsey Culbert, Rebekah Lindenbach, Kennen Dorgan, Pascal Erickson and Kaitlyn Hoar; (back l - r) Ruth Blaser, Board Chair of Astonished! and Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor of the U of R were on hand recently when Astonished! and the U of R renewed their MOU.
Astonished! core members (front , l-r) Kelsey Culbert, Rebekah Lindenbach, Kennen Dorgan, Pascal Erickson and Kaitlyn Hoar; (back l - r) Ruth Blaser, Board Chair of Astonished! and Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor of the U of R were on hand recently when Astonished! and the U of R renewed their MOU. Photo: U of R Photography

An organization that helps address barriers facing young adults with complex physical disabilities is holding its major fundraiser on Saturday, March 5, 2016.

The Big Sky Centre for Learning and Being Astonished! Inc. is hosting an evening that includes a champagne reception, fundraising and entertainment. It’s the fourth annual Wings on Our Wheels fundraiser, and will account for about one-quarter of the annual budget.

One of the guest speakers will be University of Regina President Vianne Timmons.

“By helping young adults with disabilities build confidence and realize their educational potential, Astonished! has been making our campus and our community a better place for the past several years,” says President Timmons.

Since 2011, Astonished! has had an MOU with the U of R, which provides meaningful social and educational opportunities for young people with disabilities in the community.

At a recent ceremony marking the renewal of the agreement until 2020, one of the members of Astonished!, Kelsey Culbert, said “Once we get through high school there really isn’t a lot for us to do between the ages of 18 and 21 so this really helps. It means opportunity, inclusion and diversity.”

The University’s strategic plan outlines how the U of R  is committed to building an intellectually active and innovative research community, as well as serving and engaging diverse peoples and communities in the pursuit of well-being and pride of place.
 
Event:         Annual Spring Fundraiser, Wings on Our Wheels ~ Astonished! In Flight
Date:           Saturday, March 5, 2016, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location:     St. Martin’s Parish Hall, 4720 Castle Road
Contact:      Rhea.Boysen@beingastonished.com or 306-536-7364