KidsAbility fundraiser held in Guelph
The provincial government has granted a one-time gift of $62,500 to KidsAbility of Waterloo Wellington to reduce wait times and enhance children’s rehabilitation services.
A posh affair was held at the University of Guelph Arboretum on Oct. 19 as a fundraiser for the organization.
Anita Diaz, development officer for the organization’s foundation, planned the day with about 75 people attending.
A live auction was overseen by Jim Farquhason, a Fergus real estate broker, and a silent auction was also held. Bentley House of Fine Teas and Catering from Fergus provided the tea for sampling.
Bentley Cooper, the organization’s ambassador, was on hand with his family to tell his story and thank KidsAbility for their help.
Born prematurely, Bentley has cerebral palsy. He was a twin with his brother, Cooper, and his mother Melissa Mitchell shared a little of his history, based on missing some child milestones as he was growing.
Melissa says she is “now full of optimism” for Bentley’s life under the care of the therapy experts at KidsAbility.
“I am confident Bentley will reach his physical milestones in his own time now,” she said.
It was noted by Penny Smiley, the chair of the board of KidsAbility Centre for Child Development, that when the chapter started it had 17 young clients, a number which has grown to over 700. The organization’s therapists teach children things like how to ride a bike or be able to take dance classes.
The afternoon ended with a short video of Bentley’s life.
A major contributor to the organization is Curl for a Cause, a bonspiel held annually in Fergus, which is chaired by Bruce and Joan Hawkins.
