CARSTAIRS - A special fundraising event was held on June 22 at the Silver Willow Sporting Club near Carstairs.
Clays for Cottage was a clay shooting event, which raised money for the Children's Cottage Society.
Patty Kilgallon, CEO for Children's Cottage, said the event was a big success with almost 250 participants as well as a raffle, lunch, and silent and live auctions.
"We understand it's the largest event (of its kind) in Canada," said Kilgallon. "People are out here shooting to make sure the children at the children's cottage are going to continue to be supported."
The Children's Cottage Society is an organization that prevents harm and neglect to all children and builds strong families through support services, respite programs and crisis nurseries.
Although the society is based in Calgary, they do help children from nearby communities as well.
Kilgallon said they've had great support from the community and sponsors to make the event possible. She said the event went very well and they were glad to be out at Silver Willow.
"People are saying buy your tickets for next year now, because it's just been such an amazing day," she said. "It's been well run. The rain stopped. It's our inaugural event and it's been great."
Organizer Elisha Jackson agreed that it was a great time for everyone.
"It was a little rocky at the start with the weather but everyone went out anyways, and I think everyone had a great time," said Jackson. "They were doing it for a great cause; the weather wasn't going to stop them."
Jackson said it took some work putting the event together but it was well worth it.
"There's a big learning curve because this event is pretty unique," she said. "There are not many charities around that do this event. It was a lot of fun learning about clay shooting."
Jackson said they chose clay shooting because not only is it unique among fundraisers but it is a fast growing sport.
"You're always trying to do something that not everyone is doing," she said. "We wanted to do something very unique that would get people excited. It turns out lots of people clay shoot anyways. It's one of North America's fastest growing sports. It seemed like a good fit."
