Outdoors programs continue to benefit from the fundraising dinner of the Grand Valley Safari Club.

After a one-year break, it returned and was once again a sold-out affair.

"The event was fantastic," says chair Kevin Firkus. "It went over better than our expectations."

"What we've done over the last 20 years and with the Veterans Hunter being part of it, people wanted to get out and support some of these great groups that are out there in the Town of Cochrane."

Firkus says it's an outdoors club and isn't limited to hunters and anglers. Emphasis is placed on supporting youth programming with the money raised.

"We donate money to schools for their outdoor education programs as well as we sent a lot of kids to hunter education courses, archery lessons, all sorts of things to enable youth to enjoy the outdoors."

It is also used to assist families in need in the Cochrane area.

He says one of the highlights of the evening was when youth in attendance were invited to the front to receive a hoodie and a cap.

"They received a huge applause from the crowd and, to me, seeing the kids smile was a great thing that happened."

Firkus says another highlight was the recognition given to the Veteran Hunters.

"The applause and the standing ovation and people showing their support for such a great group that's focused on helping out people with PTSD just about brought tears to a guy's eye."

While the final tally hasn't been completed, the evening typically raises $20,000 to $30,000, he says. 

"This year we'll probably be above average because of all the great support we had on the weekend from the people there and our great sponsors. It was fabulous."