Hope Bridges fundraises to keep programs alive

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Despite fewer approved grant applications and a decline in donations, Hope Bridges Society is forging ahead with fall programming determined to focus on quality over quantity to keep serving the community.
Sing Your High Note and Go Green Upcycling are the only programs currently confirmed. Both programs have been running since 2012, and this year are experiencing very high attendance rates. Sing Your High Note, a multi-generational singing therapy facilitated by JB Music Therapy, ideally focuses on groups with six to 12 participants. This year the group is comprised of 20 members.
The society is optimistic it will receive grant funding from pending applications that will be allocated to more programming, and is ensuring its efforts and resources are utilized as best as possible.
“We are finding the situation has changed; we’re moving forward and building while at the same time being careful and fiscally responsible,” said Wanda Reinholdt, coordinator with Hope Bridges Society.
“There’s been a shift in the level of donations and the number of grants that we are getting. So, we’re doing some adjusting and we want to do what we do very well… and we hope it moves us into the future.”
Reinholdt added that she hopes additional programming will provide drumming sessions, and will strengthen partnerships in Rockyford and with Wheatland Lodge in Strathmore, where she said past programs have included pottery and painted quilts. Last year, Hope Bridges Society offered five programs in the fall.
According to Reinholdt, the society is hoping to raise a total of $25,000 by the end of the year. Thus far, Chinook Financial has sponsored $1,000 in support of Hope Bridges Society’ 13th annual fundraising event and gala.
The Hope Bridges Artists Among Us Gala Performance and Fundraiser will feature a pulled pork, salad and pumpkin pie dinner and feature the bluegrass folk duo Deerhearts and Bill’s Big Band. The Rosebud Choir, Sing Your High Note and numerous other acts will also entertain the crowd at this year’s gala. The event is one way the society raises the funds necessary to keep its programming alive and thriving in Strathmore and Wheatland County.
“I don’t think that we are any different than a lot of other organizations in the area; I’ve talked with a number of non-profit organizations that are trying to do what they can do really well,” Reinholdt added. “We do have tremendous support in our community and we have done well despite the changes, but we have focused on doing what we can do well and I think that really helped. We would love to expand and grow of course, but the biggest thing is to continue to serve and continue to be in the community.”
Sing Your High Note takes place every second and fourth Tuesday of the month between Sept. 11 and Dec. 11 at the Hope Covenant Community Church from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Sessions are $15. Go Green Upcycling goes Thursday mornings between Sept. 6 and Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hope Bridges Society office on Third Avenue in Strathmore. To purchase tickets for the gala, to donate or for more information contact the society at 403-983-3640.