Yellowknife (Sep 22/04) - Those summer days seemed like they'd never end when Manny Darku decided to spice up his life with a little good work.

Darku, an employee of the Black Knight, took advantage of the slow summer season by asking his employers if he could use the Top Knight to fund a charity event.

The single charity event became a trio of charity events, held at the Top Knight on March 6, May 15 and July 31.

Darku's soccer buddy Lisa Ha pitched in on the organizational effort and $1,500 was raised.

The three events had three different themes.

"The first was a hip hop theme, the second was the Spring Bling and the third was a Hawaiian theme," said Darku.

An entrance fee was charged at the door and the money minus expenses for prizes and decorations were provided to the Yellowknife Foster Family Association.

Kirsten Burke, executive director of Yellowknife Foster Family Association, was the happy recipient of the cash.

Darku said he initially got the idea from his wife. He then talked to Ha and things were underway.

Burke said the money will be put to good use at Camp Connections.

The money will be used either to assist with the hiring of a foster parent support worker or will be dedicated to the camp.