The 22nd annual Strip-a-thon at the Caddyshack is almost sold out.
Last year, the event raised a record $26,670 for the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society.
The previous record was set in 2009, when it raised $24,000.
Yvan Charette, general manager of the Caddyshack, credits fundraising calendars put together by long-time server Romana Van Lissum for topping $26,000 last year.
“She wasn’t going to do it this year, but she didn’t realize how much help that calendar gave to local families,” said Charette.
The calendars feature 12 Caddyshack servers and the theme for the 2017 edition is construction jobs, including plumbers, drywallers and carpenters.
Van Lissum got local businesses to sponsor pages of the calendars to pay for the printing so that 100 per cent of the money can go to the Christmas Hamper.
Calendars are $20 each.
The annual bra auction also helped with last year’s total. The top bra raising $1,800 alone.
Donors all get tax receipts.
The Strip-a-thon will feature 15 shows by 15 performers. General admission is $10. Upgrade to a reserved seat for $25. Tables are $100 to $300.
All money raised from the event goes to the Christmas Hamper Society, including admission, wages and tips, as well as from the 50/50 draw and silent auction.
Prizes include a Budweiser bar and stool set, a branded barbecue, fire pit and beer fridge. There will be a Canucks hockey package, including tickets to a game, a Jägermeister pool shot machine, an Apple watch and iPad and 55-inch TV set.
Lorraine Bates, co-chair of the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society, is grateful for the money raised by the Strip-a-thon. Most of it goes towards the Hamper Society’s food bill, she added.
Every year qualifying families get food vouchers to take to either Thrifty’s or to Safeway, which allow them to buy everything needed for a turkey dinner.
• The Strip-a-thon takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 4 at 22222 Lougheed Hwy. in Maple Ridge. For more information, call 604-467-0662.