4th annual Mill Craft Bar & Kitchen Fundraiser

 A Night to Remember – Celebrating 10 Years of Ryder & Radek 

This year's R&R event at The Mill Craft Bar & Kitchen was a little different, and perhaps one of our most meaningful gatherings yet.

As we mark 10 years since Ryder and Radek's passing, we wanted to do something special. Rather than focus on the sadness of losing them, we wanted to celebrate their lives, the memories they left behind, and the incredible community that continues to keep their names alive.

And what a beautiful celebration it was.

The room was filled with family, friends, longtime supporters, and people who never had the chance to meet Ryder and Radek but have come to know them through R&R.

We shared an emotional tribute video that brought plenty of tears, but the evening was also filled with laughter, music, dancing, hugs, and stories. It was a reminder that even after 10 years, the love for these two boys is still bringing people together.

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us, purchased 50/50 tickets, made donations, and signed up for our $10 for 10 monthly giving campaign. Every bit of support helps us continue making a difference in the lives of children across Alberta in Ryder and Radek's names.

A huge thank you to Mourning Wood for the amazing music! You had everyone singing, dancing, and celebrating, exactly as we had hoped.

And to The Mill Craft Bar & Kitchen, your wonderful staff, and especially Taskar and Caroline, thank you for hosting us and for the kindness, generosity, and unwavering support you continue to show R&R. You made the evening feel so welcoming and special, and we are incredibly grateful.

Ten years is a long time to miss someone. But this night reminded us that it's also ten years of memories being shared, friendships being strengthened, and something meaningful continuing to grow from the love we have for Ryder and Radek.

There were tears, there was laughter, and there was so much love in that room. It was exactly the kind of celebration we had hoped for. 💙

Our 3rd annual R&R fundraiser at The Mill Craft Bar & Kitchen was nothing short of unforgettable. From the incredible silent auction prizes to the absolute epicness of the band Mourning Wood, the night had it all.

One of the most moving moments came with a powerful bagpipe tribute to Ryder and Radek from Clan MacNaughton Pipes & Drums — a reminder of why we gather, celebrate, and continue the mission of R&R. 

A huge thank you to The Mill (Tasker, Carolyn and their amazing staff) for the delicious meal, the best service ever and for letting us christen their newly renovated lounge — what an amazing space to bring our community together!

 To everyone who attended, bid generously, and made the night such a success — THANK YOU!
To every business and individual who donated an auction item, many of you year after year — THANK YOU doesn’t even begin to cover how much that means to us and to Zach Stelmack, who not only won the 50/50 but donated it right back — THANK YOU! You’re helping a youth in Alberta live out their dreams, play their sport, or join their activity. It means the world to us and them. 

Because of you, the impact of R&R continues to grow — and that’s something worth celebrating. 

 In 2023 and 2024, the R&R Empowering Society of Alberta proudly partnered with The Mill Craft Bar & Kitchen for our annual fundraisers. We want to extend a huge thank you to Tasker, Carolyn, and their incredible staff for all the hard work that made these events such a success. A special shoutout goes to the generous sponsors who donated silent auction items and to everyone who attended and supported us.

The funds raised help us empower Alberta's youth by ensuring they can stay active in the sports and activities they love but might not be able to access without financial support. Stay tuned for more details on our 2025 events—we can't wait to continue making a difference together!