Courtenay’s Centennial year wrapped up in 2015, but the Centennial Committee is planning one last hurrah in honour of a well-loved and greatly missed member of our community.

“Randy’s Perogy Party” is happening on Saturday, April 15 at the Florence Filberg Centre Conference Hall.

Updated schedule: Doors open at 5:30 pm, dance performance by the Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers at 6:30, followed by perogy dinner served by the Comox Valley Ukranian Cultural Society at 7:00 pm.  

Musical guests The Impalas will have the crowd on their feet dancing to classic rock favourites.

The event is being held in honour of the late Randy Wiwchar, the City of Courtenay’s former director of community services and one of the key organizers of the centennial celebrations, among many other community events and initiatives. Randy passed away in June 2016 after a battle with cancer.

The Centennial Committee is also announcing a permanent name change for their fundraising initiatives. The City of Courtenay Centennial Legacy Fund has been officially renamed the Randy Wiwchar Legacy Fund. The fund is administered through the Comox Valley Community Foundation.

Centennial Committee member Rod Hunter said the committee wanted to find a way to honour someone who gave so much to his community. “Randy put his heart and soul into the Centennial, and so many other community initiatives, yet always somehow managed to avoid the spotlight. It means a lot to be able to have Randy’s name permanently remembered through this fund.”

Randy’s Perogy Party is a nod to Wiwchar’s Manitoban roots, where fundraising socials are a way of life. “Just like last year’s Spring Social event, we’re basing this on a fun, casual Manitoba Social,” said Hunter. “The Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society is serving up the perogies — Randy’s favourite — and a lot of his other guilty snacks, along with fantastic live music. Whether you knew Randy or not, come celebrate with us and have a good time.”

Tickets for Randy’s Perogy Party are $35 and will be available starting Tuesday, March 14 at the Courtenay Recreation Lewis Centre, Florence Filberg Centre, Courtenay City Hall, and Billy D’s Pub.

All funds raised from the event will help enhance the newly-named Randy Wiwchar Legacy Fund. The fund supports the development of local children and youth through their participation in academic, athletic, cultural, recreational, vocational and other activities provided by non-profit organizations in the Courtenay area where funding is a barrier to participation.

“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate our wonderful friend Randy,” said Hunter. “This legacy in his name will carry on his tradition of giving back to the community he loved so much.”

For more information, call City of Courtenay Recreation and Cultural Services at 250-334-4441 or visit www.courtenay.ca