The Comox Valley United Soccer Club held a fundraising gala on Saturday to raise funds and awareness towards two artificial turf fields being proposed for Valley View Park.
Dr. Paul and Christine Helpard, owners of Shoreline Orthodontics in Courtenay, hosted the event. With over 100 guests in attendance, the gala raised just under $50,000, bringing the total amount raised for the project to over $400,000 to date.
“The success of this event is a testament to the support that exists in our community for these fields,” said CVUSC president Matthew Blecha. “Artificial turf fields will help keep our community active, healthy and engaged in sports,” he added.
The evening featured former Canadian national player Richard Hastings who shared his stories from his soccer career. After dinner and speeches, guests danced the night away to really great music, Blecha said.
Event organizer Mark Purcell thanked the Helpards, Matt MacDonald, Courtney Bardonner and City Cruising Catering for the excellent food, Richard Heyer for providing the music and audio, Jerry Van for photography, Paul West of the RCMP, Relay Party Rentals, members of the CVUSC Crush, Evolution and UISA Riptide teams who were a great help, and also the awesome team of valet and designated drivers
who worked until 2 a.m. to ensure that everyone got home safely.
The soccer club is continuing to work with the CVRD and Courtenay City staff as it gears towards a possible referendum in the spring. Artificial turf fields have become increasingly popular in neighbouring
communities due to their durability. An artificial turf field can provide an estimated 4,000 hours of play a year compared to only 600 hours a year on natural grass.
– Comox Valley United Soccer Club