The 17th annual 7-6 Ranch Steak and Lobster Fest near Carman raised its highest amount to date this year. In excess of $75,000 was raised this year explained event host Debbie Middleton.

"We have steak and lobster for sale and take donations for the tickets. This year we had 430 people for supper," said Middleton. "After supper, we have a live auction and silent auction. There were about fifty items in the live auction and thirty in the silent auction."

Middleton noted in the last couple of years the event has grown from around 300 people attending to 450. She attributed this growth to the quality of items people can bid on and where the money will be going each and every year.

Money raised from the event is split between the Children's Wish Foundation and Children's Hospital Foundation and Middleton added since its inception the event has raised around $400,000 for the two foundations.

"Each year it continues to grow and is well supported, so it's hard to stop," said Middleton.

She stated this event wouldn't be possible without the people who have supported them along the way and the volunteers who help every year, which included a family from the Netherlands.

"They were our neighbours ten years ago and then they moved back to the Netherlands," explained Middleton. "They come back here so they get to see everyone, help out, and come for a holiday."