In conversing with Bev Middlebrook — who wears a lot of non-profit hats in Kimberley, including chair of the Fall Fair and manager of the Youth Centre — another way that non-profits can make some money was floated, Steak Night.

Middlebrook hails from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and she says steak nights are immensely popular there and non-profits have to wait almost a year to get on the list to host one.

The concept is simple, Middlebrook says — a Saturday night steak dinner and a glass of wine for a reasonable price, say $15. The venue will always be the same, the routine the same, it’s just the non-profit that benefits that will change.

“This would work for any organization or even people raising money for someone with cancer, which happens a lot in Kimberley. Sometimes people don’t know how to raise the funds, so now they can just run the steak night,” Middlebrook said.

You just print the tickets and pre-sell them so you know how much food is needed, find enough volunteers to host the evening and you’re away.

“All the money after the food expenses goes to the cause. The template works because everyone has the skills needed to host a dinner. Everything is already there, you just pick up your supplies and get the profits.”

Middlebrook has talked to the Western Lodge ownership and the steak nights will be held downstairs at Lucy’s. And added benefit of that venue is that the liquor license is already there, she says.

“I hope to hold the first one in November. I already have three groups who want to do it.”

Middlebrook says she’ll help out with the first ones, though she says she’ll likely put a step by step manual together and groups should be able to follow it.

“It’s like a vehicle for non-profits, it’s simple, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

Middlebrook says she will call a meeting to explain the concept to all non-profits.

“I can’t tell you how popular it is in Moose Jaw. It should work in Kimberley too.”