With the last dollar counted, Team Ta Ta’s celebrates the success of their 2024 Tatapalooza Steak and Lobster Bash raised $22,761 dedicated for the Alberta Cancer Foundation (ACF).
The event took place at the Cochrane Lions Event Centre last month, which was dubbed ‘The Largest Steak and Lobster Night West of the Maritimes.’ According to Team Ta Ta’s founder and leader, Kathie Geleta, this brings their grand total closer to $1 million dollars.
“This brings our total dollars raised to date to $872,216.84,” Geleta said.
Geleta explained that when she first stared fundraising for the ACF 17 years ago, it was under the stipulation that the funds would be earmarked each year.
“This year, we have earmarked them for the Patient’s Financial Assistance program that is run by the ACF,” Geleta explained. “That’s there to help maybe a single mom who needs transportation to and from treatment, or childcare, or perhaps she lives Carstairs and she needs to come to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.
“Or someone who lives rural around the Edmonton area who would have to go to the cancer centre in Edmonton, and give them accommodation and stuff to provide funding to people who really need it in order to continue their therapy.”
Following the event, Geleta said that she plans to set up a meeting with a ACF representative in order to hand off the hefty check.
Kaitlyn Law, Geleta’s daughter and a lifelong member of Team Ta Ta’s, said it has always been an incredible experience to see the overwhelming community support.
“During the event, the amount of people that did come up to us, demonstrated their support, their interest, and support playing forward as well more than they had this year was truly humbling,” Law said. “I’m very excited to do it again next year and welcome everybody back, and maybe some new face as well.”
Hot off the tails of their latest event, Geleta said the future of Team Ta Ta’s she hopes to host another fundraising event in Cochrane next year.
“I have to say, the Cochrane Lions Event Centre was a wonderful venue to have this event at, and we are hoping to have it again there next year,” Geleta said.
With an endless list of supporters, Geleta said she would like thank all sponsors and donors in from Cochrane and Calgary. She would also like to give a special thanks to Erol Yersel and Phonsie Corcoran.
