A signature dining experience that amplifies local youth voices while raising critical operational funds for the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre (LCYC) is returning this fall.
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The “Chef’s Got Your Back” fundraiser is scheduled for Sept. 17 at Rolling Green Fairways. Organizers moved the date from late August to accommodate families navigating the back-to-school transition and the local harvest season.
The LCYC is operated by the SPARK Foundation of Lloydminster and relies entirely on grants and community donations to keep its doors open, receiving no consistent government funding.
“This is a huge one,” said Patty Milnthorp, community engagement liaison for the SPARK Foundation. “We rely heavily on grants, and with grants, you never know whether you’re going to get the whole grant, part of it, or get denied. This is our only fundraiser for the youth centre.”
The facility remains a heavily utilized community resource, recording more than 6,000 visits over the past year.
The event features a unique menu inspired by the youth themselves. LCYC participants select their favourite dishes, which are then elevated by the culinary team at Rolling Greens. The meal is served family-style to tables of eight to encourage community connection.
Between courses, attendees will watch pre-recorded videos of the youth discussing the impact of the centre.
“The kids are videoed in a safe space where they don’t have to feel nervous,” Milnthorp said. “The big screen puts them up on there, and they get their voice heard.”
Local youth will also participate in the evening directly, including two volunteers who will serve a signature welcome drink at the door.
In addition to the dinner, the evening features a moderately high-end silent auction. Past packages have included items like a paddleboard and a patio set.
Organizers have capped ticket availability at 250 seats. Tickets can be purchased online here.
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