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‘It meant a lot to have people show up and support us’: Whitecroft park fundraiser raises nearly $7,800

Support rolls in thanks to local sponsors, live entertainment and a strong show of community for Whitecroft’s Nanci Wilson Park.

The Community Association of Whitecroft’s 2025 Nanci Wilson park fundraiser was held on June 13. Photo provided by the Community Association of Whitecroft

This year’s fundraiser for Nanci Wilson Park was deemed a resounding success, according to organizers of the June 13 event.

Held by Community Association of Whitecroft (CAW), the event raised nearly $7,800 — and brought together local residents, sponsors and supporters for an evening filled with food, music, games and giving back.

Cahilty Creek Kitchen and Taproom hosted the event. The title sponsor, Vike Real Estate Group, attended and showed its continued commitment to community development. Rangeland Meats, who sponsored the barbeque’s protein offerings, provided a delicious spread that was for many participants one of the night’s highlights.

“Everyone said they had a really great time,” Kaitlyn Lamotte, CAW’s president said. “It was a really great vibe. 

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“We even sold some tickets at the event itself, which was awesome to see. It meant a lot to have people show up and support us.”

In addition to the food and socializing, the fundraiser featured live music by local Whitecroft artist Marc Smith, adding a special touch of hometown talent. 

The evening also included games, door prizes, a 50/50 draw, and a live auction. The auction sparked particular excitement for participants when there were three extra prizes to bid on added at the last minute thanks to Meranti Developments.

Olympic gold medalist and longtime community supporter Nancy Greene also attended the event, with Lamotte saying her presence was heartwarming.

“It was so great to have her come out and support us,” she said.

With the funds raised this year, CAW is looking ahead to its next big event — the Sun Peaks Annual Charity Firefighters’ Gala. 

“We’re excited to be one of the benefactors for the Fireman’s Gala this November,” Lamotte said. 

“We’d love to see people come out and support us and the other amazing organizations involved.”

The association is also calling for more corporate sponsors, and welcomes anyone interested in supporting its initiatives, whether through donations, volunteering or simply learning more and spreading the word.

“If anyone wants to get involved … we’re always open to new partnerships and community support,” Lamotte said.”

For more information, to donate or to stay up to date on upcoming events, visit Whitecroft’s website.

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Girl with dark hair stands in front of a bench with a black blazer and white tee shirt. She is wearing black pants and there are plants in the back ground. It is sunny and cloudy.

Aibiike Alymova enjoyed telling stories her whole life, though she first dreamed of a career in film directing, she found herself in Kamloops, pursuing a journalism degree. 

Her journey in journalism started in 2021, when she moved from Kyrgyzstan to pursue her education. For the first two years, she walked past the office for Thompson Rivers University’s student newspaper, The Omega and pull the doorknob, but every time it would be locked. In her third year, she heard The Omega was back, applied for the sports editor position and got it. She worked closely with the TRU WolfPack and the Kamloops Blazers, learning the basics of journalism. 

Growing up in Kyrgyzstan, Aibiike started skiing when she was a kid and she’s looking forward to experiencing winter at the resort. She is not only excited about the colder seasons, but also eager to see what summer at Sun Peaks has to offer and get involved in the community all year round.