Lip Sync Battle fundraising event takes the stage

“I was like, ‘What kind of event could we do that’s more for everybody, jeans, just a comfortable event that everyone can go to, everyone could afford to support the Outreach?’,” asked Roberts, volunteering with the centre for over five years. “Not everyone can afford a $200 ticket, a fancy dress, a night out and silent auction.”

Roberts noticed a rising popularity in lip syncing and its required charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.

That same night of the gala, Roberts pitched the idea and began planning the Lip Sync Battle with Gregg.

With each year, Roberts says, the fundraiser gained more traction serving Red Deer popstar realness, attracting larger crowds and the last show selling out in no time.

“We’ve been really fortunate that we have so many brave community members that want to entertain for a good cause,” she said.

Being Wheeliker’s first year with The Outreach Centre, his hopes are for the event to raise $10,000 – $15,000. He confirmed it takes between $400,000 – $500,000 to operate all of the centre’s services, ranging from suicide prevention, domestic violence, homelessness, and more.

“Those are all issues that in one way or another touch many, many members of the community. We serve the whole family: men, women and children and we also work with Indigenous, immigrant and the two LGBTQ community organizations as well,” said Wheeliker. “We work broadly across the community and I think that’s why the community supports us so much time after time.”

But Roberts believes the event will be even more successful.

“The fundraising dollars that have come in, 100 per cent of the funds go back to the Outreach. Our costs for this event are very low so it’s nice to see when, for example, last year we raised over $20,000 and I think our costs were maybe $120,” said Roberts.

To give the fundraising a head start, SafeTracks GPS, one of the event’s sponsors made a $5,000 donation at the gate. The company sells Electronic Monitoring solutions for judicial purposes like ankle bracelets, as well as for personal use of at-risk individuals like independent seniors, victims of domestic violence, and lone workers.

On Dec.1, however, Outreach officials revealed that Lime Green Realty in Red Deer has pledged to donate matching funds raised during the event, to a maximum of $10,000.

Myles Peake, Director of Fund Development for the Outreach Centre, says over $7,250 has been raised so far.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” says Peake. “For Lime Green Realty to step up and match those funds, ultimately that doubles the amount of money coming back to the Outreach Centre’s programs and services that we provide to our clients and the community right? This is Huge!”

Lip Sync Battle tickets can be bought on EventBrite at $35 or $60 per person for a VIP table of minimum four guests to include premier seating, a charcuterie board and a cocktail by Troubled Monk Brewery. Roberts also says there will be a surprise entertainment act for guests.

The Restrictions Exemption program will be in place. For those who want to donate directly to The Outreach Centre, they can do so at https://theoutreachcentre.org/donate/.

You can check out the videos from previous Lip Sync battles at Bo’s right here or here.

“It’s a great way to kick off the Holiday Season with a little bit of fun and getting together with some people. Come out, come out, join us!” said Wheeliker.

by Alessia Proietti

Lip Sync Battle fundraising event takes the stage

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