The Halifax Progress Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary and president Cory Sanford says he’s looking forward to celebrating in style.

“It’ll be high energy,” he says. “Business professionals and individuals can go and have a good time; they mingle and network.”

The non-profit organization began in 1965 with a pig roast, raising $546 dollars for Ed’s Foundation for Kids. 

Now the group plans annual events, such as the Big Spring Gala and Auction this Saturday, with all proceeds going to the King’s Meadow Home and the Progress Centre for Early Intervention. Both charities focus on supporting those with mental or physical disabilities. 

The club also supports organizations such as the IWK Foundation and Feed Nova Scotia.

Halifax’s Progress Club is made up of 45 members, with five others waiting to go through their induction ceremony.

Sanford says his one-year term as president has been a positive experience.

“The ship has already been on course for a long period of time,” he says. “I just have to stand behind the wheel.”

Sanford says one of his goals is to look for fresh ways to expand the organization.

“Bringing in new blood is how we fuel the energy to put on these events.”

The Progress Club also hosts the Sports Celebrity Dinner in February, which has drawn in names like Mark Messier, Roberto Alomar, and Joe Montana.

Previous events have raised between $180,000 to $200,000.

This year’s Big Spring Gala and Auction is bringing on the glitz, making the change from an auction to a night-long Vegas-themed event. Sanford says that was the main factor in drawing larger crowds.   

“It’s an experience versus just an auction,” he says. “With Vegas Nights, I’m actually interested to see what the committee put together to put the theme in the room.”

Tickets are $125, which includes complimentary beverages, a three-course meal, a silent auction with over 300 items, and a dance party hosted by DJ Dollar.

CTV’s Steve Murphy will host the event.

Click here for more information about the event.