"Opa!" is sure to be exclaimed by some patrons of an upcoming fundraiser, accompanied by the sound of smashing plates. But it's okay, the plates will be broken for a worthy cause.

A Greek Feast fundraiser will be held by the Southeast College Education Foundation to support students pursuing post-secondary training in healthcare-related programs at Southeast College.

The event will raise funds for their recently-launched Health Care Fund.

“We’re very excited to be hosting a Greek Feast on Saturday, March the 9th at the Knox Hall in Weyburn,” said Manager of College Advancement, Dave Harazny.

“The Health Care Fund concept was developed to enhance the College’s role in training individuals to be the future of health care in southeast Saskatchewan,” said Jeff Richards, VP of Strategic Development for Southeast College. “We all know how important our health care system is, and to support this cause, alongside all the other great advocates in our communities, is our goal.”

Southeast College currently offers a Continuing Care Assistant Certificate program in multiple locations as well as a Practical Nursing Diploma program in Weyburn. In 2019-2020, the College plans to add a Primary Care Paramedic Certificate program in Redvers.

Dave Harazny said they’re also looking at bringing in a Health Information Management Diploma.

“We’re looking at expanding our training in the health care related field, it’s a very well-subscribed program area for our students,” he said.

Harazny noted the funds raised from the Greek Feast and future Health Care Fund initiatives will mostly help out the students with scholarships and bursaries.

“We decided to create this fund to specifically direct some funds to those students and to those programs and for donors who want to specifically support those areas as well, because health care is important to everybody in the southeast,” he said.

“Potentially, if there are some assets we need to enhance the training, like some equipment, or other things of that nature, there will be a committee struck to oversee the fund, the administration and the stewardship of the dollars, but primarily it is there to help those students with the increasing costs of taking their education,” Harazny added.

As for the Greek Feast event, the evening is shaping up for good times, full bellies, and even some broken plates.

“We’re working with the folks at Weyburn Travelodge and Brother’s Classic Grill & Pizza, who are very good at what they do, so there will be appetizers, and a main course, and desserts,” said Harazny. “There will be entertainment, featuring Greek dancers, and, of course, the traditional plate-breaking, which many people have heard of or seen, so it’s going to be a really fun evening and we’re really excited about it.”

Tickets for the Greek Feast are available for $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of 8. For tickets and info, please contact Southeast College at (306) 848-2531 or the Weyburn Travelodge and Brothers Classic Grill & Pizza at (306) 842-1411. Tickets may also be purchased online.