The Caddy Shack is getting ready for the 23rd annual Strip-a-thon.
Last year, the event raised $37,500 for the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society, another record for the fundraiser.
The previous record was $26,670.
“We got the tally the next day and I was blown away,” said Yvan Charette, general manager of the Caddy Shack.
He believes the record was a send-off to Tom Cameron, a long-time volunteer with the hamper society who passed away from leukemia just weeks after last year’s Strip-a-thon.
“He really was the guy who spearheaded the relationship between the Strip-a-thon , the Caddy Shack and the hamper society. There was a time that nobody wanted that money,” said Charette, who now gets asked by many charities for a fundraising opportunity.
“Unfortunately, we can’t give every charity money. We give the Hamper Society money that really sets [its] budget for the year.”
This year’s chairty event will stick to the same format as in previous years. There will be a live auction with branded items like coolers, golf bags, bar fridges and man cave items for home bars. Raffles will consist of Vancouver Canucks tickets and other prizes.
“When you walk in down the hallway, there will be a number of options for people to either buy raffle tickets for prizes or bid on larger items through silent auction,” said Charette.
The silent auction will feature a wood carved fire pit by Kelly Rychkun, as well as gift baskets, children’s items like bicycles, stuffed animals and toys, an Apple watch and other electronics. All of the items have been donated by the Haney Hotel and its suppliers.
The popular bra auction will also continue.
“What we do there is a tradition,” said Charette.
“The servers and staff go up with an item and people will bid on the item and the bra. A lot of times staff get to keep the bra, it’s just a fun part of the event,” he added.“It’s been going on for a lot of years.
One year, a bra was auctioned for $5,000.
All the staff and performers donate their time for the Strip-a-thon, and some give their tips, too.
“There’s a lot of work and personal time that goes into this for the staff because they set the room up, they decorate it, they come in on their time off to do this,” said Charette.
“We’ve been very fortunate in past years we’ve had a really successful event. And the way we look at it is any amount raised is going to help some local families enjoy the holiday season and we’ll put some food on some tables, as well.”
• The 23rd annual Caddy Shack Strip-a-thon takes place Dec. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 22222 Lougheed Hwy. in Maple Ridge.
There will be 16 to 18 performers and entertainment starts at noon. General admission is $10 and can be paid at the door.
To reserve a seat is $25 and that includes a free breakfast from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the cost of entry. A table reservation costs between $100 and $300 and also includes a free breakfast and entry. For more information, call 604-467-0662.