April 13, 2019 was a truly magical evening.
At the sold-out Sources Foundation’s 24th Annual Fundraising Gala, “Enchanted,” the Queen of the Fairies and other mystical beings descended upon Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club and bestowed mysterious powers to the 250 guests who entered our forest of dreams. These powers allowed them to cast spells of great fortune, which they generously used to help us fundraise far more than our $275,000 goal…
WE ARE SPELLBOUND!
The venue was transformed into an enchanted forest, which guests entered through a storybook, escorted by a prince, knight, gnome, centaur and even Tinkerbell! After signing in, guests could have their photo taken by Brian Giebelhaus and Darla Furlani in front of the backdrop painted by local artist Elizabeth Hollick. Those who were lucky got to pose with the Queen of Fairies herself, Talula Shimmerwing!
Silent auction prizes donated by over 70 generous businesses and individuals lined the garden room, where local talent Ben Dunnill played mesmerizing melodies on the piano.
When it was time to teleport for the feast, guests flowed through the vine-lined, lantern-hung tunnel into a banquet hall adorned with greenery and string lights, floating butterflies, and forest-inspired centrepieces featuring toadstools, trees, squirrels and other woodland creatures.
As guests settled into their seats, Sources Foundation President and the evening’s emcee Bruce Hayne stepped on stage to welcome everyone and begin opening remarks. Following him, Darrell Jones – Gala Chair and President of Save-On-Foods, a Platinum Sponsor of Enchanted – spoke about how SOURCES is close to his heart, and thanked the SOURCES volunteers and staff, the auction donors and the Hazelmere staff. Next, Jack He from New Great Land Developing Ltd. (Presenting Sponsor) spoke about their community involvement, their delight at supporting SOURCES and Enchanted, and encouraged everyone to participate in the evening’s fundraising efforts. Finally, SOURCES CEO David Young thanked all the guests for attending and introduced the Board of Directors for the Foundation and Society.
Throughout dinner, guests bid competitively on the silent auction through the magical (Givergy) tablets, as their bids popped on the screens around the room. Harpist Fanny Starchild played mystical music while fairies flew from table to table, casting spells and granting wishes.
As bellies filled with good food and empty plates were swapped for desserts, Marlyn Graziano, President of Sources Community Resources Society, took to the stage to acknowledge the generosity of our 41 Enchanted Sponsors. Next, Darrell and David presented the 2019 Sources Community Hero Award to Susan Byrom, Executive Director, Community Investment and First West Foundation.
“Susan has been a champion for us – our Food Banks, Rent Bank, Women’s Place and other programs. She has brought teams of volunteers from Envision Financial to work with our volunteers in weighing, sorting, and distributing food. She has rolled up her sleeves and helped us with garden maintenance at our centres. She has also organized fundraisers for us, and leads Envision Financial’s Full Cupboard Campaign, which has raised a generous amount of food, funds and awareness for both our Food Banks,” said Denise Darrell, SOURCES Executive Director of Community Services, in the program.
After Susan accepted the Award, Bruce invited local MP Gordon Hogg and local MLA Tracy Redies on stage to announce the Best Dressed Table and Couple to loud cheers.
Next was the Fountain of Youth, a special fundraising segment for SOURCES’ new program, DiscoverY. David spoke about how mental illness has affected each of us, our friends, families and colleagues. We saw the need for a no-cost, no-barrier service to be available to youth and young adults in our community who feel like they have no one to talk to, or nothing to live for. DiscoverY was created to provide free mental health counselling to young people so that they could discover why they matter – and to help guide them to a brighter future than they could see for themselves. Learn more about DiscoverY
Leigh Sully, President of Elkay Developments Ltd., shared that they would match donations made to the Fountain of Youth in support of DiscoverY, up to $15,000. What happened next was like magic. Donations flooded in, raising more than $43,000 for DiscoverY. The room was filled with a sense of unity and gratitude, knowing that together they just gave us the ability to provide free professional counselling – and hope – to dozens of young people in our community.
Following the Fountain of Youth, Zoey Leven, a 18-year-old local musician from Coquitlam, sang while strumming guitar and ended with a powerful rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” on her keyboard.
After that, Sources Foundation board member and the evening’s auctioneer, Chuck Keeling of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, kicked off the Live Auction. Nine amazing prizes were auctioned with flair!
To end the night, MLA Marvin Hunt drew the 50/50 winner, who ended up being Jack He! Jack generously donated the money to DiscoverY, to resounding applause, topping off Enchanted with true philanthropy.
With the formal event ended, DJ Skylines Mobile took over the dance floor. As guests left, volunteers handed out swag bags which were contributed by sponsors including Envision Financial, Express Computers, Isle of Mann Property Group, Ocean PARC, Save-On-Foods, Turnabout Luxury Resale, and Westminster Savings.
The Enchanted Gala was planned over many months and could not have been possible without our dedicated, magical team! Special thanks to Forevery Occasion (Abby and Yasmin), Christine and Shane Conlin; Jennifer Procyshyn, Pummy Kaur and Cadence Warner. Many thanks to the Gala Committee, Sources’ Board of Directors, Hazelmere Staff, Gala Sponsors, Live and Silent Auction Donors, Volunteers and Enchanting Guests!
