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Universal Coach Lines general manager John Liu, 2014 Alberta Summer Games Bid Committee Chair Dan Oneil and Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown pose with the bus that brough the selection committee on its tour of Airdrie April 18.

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2014 Alberta Summer Games hosting New Year's Eve fundraiser

The 2014 Alberta Summer Games Committee is holding a New Year’s Eve event at the Overtime Lounge Dec. 31 as they get ready to ramp up fundraising in the new year.

Committee Chair Al Jones said everything is on track for hosting the Games in July of 2014, and supporting these smaller fundraisers leading up to the event will allow the committee to continue the planning process.

“There is a lot of planning and organization that goes into games of this magnitude,” said Jones. “The coordination in setting up to host 3,400 athletes, coaches and officials takes a tremendous amount of planning.”

The committee will incur a number of expenses during the planning process leading up to the fundraising push set for late 2013.

“We have a lot of expenses in the meantime,” he said.

The New Year’s Eve event will feature live entertainment by classic rock band Why Martin? and a roast beef dinner and will be held in the Overtime Lounge at the Ron Ebbesen Arena.

“It’s going to be a great way to bring in the New Year and support your community at the same time,” said Jones.

“The little bit of support you can provide for the New Year’s Eve party will be multiplied 10-fold when we get to host the Games.”

Jones said he could not comment on what sort of fundraising initiatives will be set up for next year, but expects some to be held during the summer months.

While the various Games directors continue to work behind the scenes, Jones is asking anyone interested in becoming involved in the planning stages of the games to come forward.

“We are very fortunate that we have a very active and passionate group of people who have stepped forward to serve on the board of directors and chairing various committees, but as we approach the games we will need more,” said Jones.

“Keep your eyes and ears open for how you can be involved, we will be reaching out a lot in the future,” he said. “In early 2014, we will be putting out a call for all volunteers for all positions that are not filled. We are hoping to have enough volunteers so that everyone can just work a few shorter shifts and enjoy the games.”

Tickets for the fundraiser New Year’s party are $75 each or $125 for a couple. For more information or tickets, call Jones at 403-703-5529.