Sources “Like A Rock” Gala

The Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club was hopping last Saturday, with 250 glamourous rock stars gathered to raise important funds for the Sources Community Resources Foundation (SOURCES).

The Annual Fundraising Gala is SOURCES’ major fundraiser, with this year being the 23rd rendition. The theme, “Like A Rock,” was inspired by the Bob Seger tune.

Like A Rock – our hands were steady
Like A Rock – our eyes were clear and bright
Like A Rock – our walk had purpose
Like A Rock – we held firmly to what we felt was right

The venue was decorated to have a “concert” feel, with electric purple lights, black curtains and silver accents around the room. Guests were encouraged to come in their raddest rock stars outfits, and they did not disappoint.

“A round of applause to everyone who supported this year’s rock ‘n’ roll Gala. We sold out again for the third year in a row, and like the past three years, we exceeded our fundraising goal. We raised in excess of $260,000 – this is the most we’ve ever raised at this event. We are incredibly proud and thankful to our community for their ongoing generosity and support,” said SOURCES CEO David Young.

The evening began with a red carpet entrance, where guests signed in and could purchase concert swag like a Sources 40th Anniversary Tour t-shirt, which were modelled by the thirty volunteers who gave their time that evening.

Many guests paused to have their photo taken by Brian Giebelhaus in front of the backdrop painted by local artist Elizabeth Hollick, before entering the silent auction area to bid on more than 80 lot items and enjoy live music by vocalist-guitarist Larry Edward.


When it was time for dinner, guests shuffled to the banquet room via the Hall of Fame (normally a kitchen corridor!), which featured framed Platinum Selling Records of Presenting Sponsor Isle of Mann Property Group and Platinum Sponsors B&B Contracting Group, Terminal City Iron Works Ltd. and TYBO Contracting Ltd.


As everyone settled into their seats, Joan Jett appeared on stage singing, “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll.” Following her performance, emcees Ian Power and Vanessa Ybarra – co-hosts of Pulse FM’s morning show – took the stage to give welcoming remarks. Gala co-chair Michael Stuart, Sources CEO David Young and Isle of Mann’s Ravi Mann also welcomed the lively crowd before dinner was served.


As people were finishing up their meals, Nancy Sinatra strutted on stage and began singing her hit single … before shedding her coat and revealing Lady Gaga! The eclectic rock queen sang “Poker Face” and “Born This Way” before entering the crowd and posing with guests who were only too delighted to get a selfie with her.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of three awards.

The Sources Community Hero Award was presented to John Block by Sources Foundation President (and Surrey-White Rock MP) Gordon Hogg.

The Special Recognition Award was presented to Scotiabank – accepted by White Rock branch manager Jayson Burden – by Sources Society President (and City of Surrey Councillor) Bruce Hayne.

Last but not least, a SURPRISE Special Recognition Award was presented to Michael Stuart by David Young and Gala Co-Chair Jay Minhas. Stuart, a Director on the Sources Foundation Board, has chaired the Gala for three years with this being his final one.


Following the Awards, the winners of Best Costumes were announced. In particular, the Best Group Costume went to the MNP table! Then, auctioneer Sam Garandza was invited up to begin the Live Auction. Fifteen items were available, with a few being donated back to be sold again!

After that energizing segment, the room quieted down as Denise Darrell, Sources Director of Women’s Services, told her story of the importance of services like SOURCES’ for women dealing with tragic life circumstances. Her tale of courage and resilience touched the hearts of the people in the room, who rose from their seats to give her a standing ovation. Guests then made their pledges in the Rockstar Charity Challenge, encouraged by a $20,000 matching donation from South Surrey developer Elkay Developments.


To celebrate the generosity in the room, Tina Turner showed up and grabbed three guests from the audience to join her on stage to “Simply The Best!” with pink boa feathers flying everywhere.

After that, James Randhawa from Isle of Mann was invited on stage to draw a 50/50 ticket from the bucket. The lucky winner was Sarah McTaggart of HomeLife White Rock!

Next was the Jewellery Raffle! Jose Latchinian of Jose & Co. Custom Jewellers, who designed and donated the beautiful pendant, pulled the number which belonged to Mark Ankenman of Ankenman Associates Architects Inc.!


Not long after, our celebrity imposter (whose real name is Bonnie Kilroe) returned to the stage for a final performance as Cher. She brought a guest of TYBO Contracting Ltd. on stage and dressed him up as Sonny for a sweet serenade of “I Got You Babe.” Just when everyone thought she was done, she transformed into a more daring outfit of Cher’s for a dazzling finale of “Believe.”

The party continued with people dancing to the mixes by Skylines Mobile. As guests left, volunteers handed out swag bags which were contributed by sponsors including Isle of Mann, Save-On-Foods, Forge Properties, Grandview Law Group, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Amica at White Rock, Turnabout and Peace Arch News.


Producing the Gala takes months of planning and could not be pulled off without the help of a dedicated team! Special thanks to Event Planner Abby Gemino of Forevery Occasion for masterminding and executing another wonderful Gala. Also, many thanks to the Gala committee, Sources’ Board of Directors, Hazelmere staff, Gala Sponsors, Live and Silent Auction Donors, Volunteers and Rock Star Guests – for being a part of our 23rd Annual Fundraising Gala and making it a ROCKIN’ success!

Click to see the Full (Photo) Album

Click to see the Keepsake Photos

*Keepsake photos are sized for 5×7 printing*