It was a night of raising awareness and funds at the Rednecks with a Cause fourth annual Autism Awareness Gala.
This year's event raised approximately $42,000.
On Saturday, April 1, residents showed their support for a cause that's close to Gary Mostert's heart. Mostert is the president and founder of Rednecks with a Cause, an organization dedicated to spreading autism awareness and giving back to their community.
The gala sold out quickly even with the addition of tables, Mostert said, adding time and time again the community has come out to show their support for the organization and their cause.
“We are so excited. The town came out as always,” he said. “This town just amazes us every year.”
He continued, “Rednecks with a Cause steps up for a very specific group, and I think we are gaining traction in our community… We are making sure autism is not a swear word anymore… I think Bonnyville has made peace with the fact that we are here to stay.”
For the past four years, Tina Kissel has volunteered as the master of ceremonies for the event, and has witnessed the gala grow year after year.
“Bonnyville is the best community when it comes to fundraising and giving to a good cause. Watching this grow, because the cause is so close to my heart, is very important to me,” Kissel said.
Kissel explained that she supports Rednecks with a Cause in particular because of Mostert.
“I simply just can't say no,” she laughed.
She added, she also does it for her son, who has “some issues that go along with autism.”
She added, seeing her community come out warms her heart.
“Community support is so important. You can't do these kinds of things for the community without the support of the community.”
Each year the Rednecks host the gala with a goal in mind. This year, they set their sights on raising $40,000 to bring in someone very special.
“We always have a goal in mind, and our goal always gets exceeded. Our goal this year is to be able to pay for Dr. Grandin to come and visit Bonnyville,” explained Mostert.
Dr. Temple Grandin is an American professor of animal science at Colorado State University. An expert in livestock handling, she is also a specialist for children with autism.
“She is also on the spectrum,” noted Mostert. “So for us, she is a little bit of a celebrity in the autism world.”
Over 80 items were donated for the silent auction, not including the 12 live auction items, which sold for over $12,800 collectively. The highest bid item was the Redneck Party Pack, donated by the organizers of the event. This item was sold for $5,200.
“We love our town, we love our region, because they come out year after year, and every year it gives us goosebumps,” said Mostert.
