Once Upon a Time Gala raises more than $214,000
GUELPH – The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington’s annual Once Upon a Time Gala, presented by Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth of RBC Dominion Securities, brought together over 290 guests and raised a net total of more than $214,000 in support of local children and youth.
On Oct. 24, guests journeyed Under the Sea at the Delta Hotels for an evening filled with impact, community and generosity.
From the champagne wall and hors d’oeuvres, to live entertainment, auctions and raffles, guests were immersed in the theme while coming together to make waves of change for kids.
This year, the foundation highlighted the Free to Grow program and the importance of play, participation and belonging in helping children thrive.
Guests learned how financial barriers can prevent children and youth from accessing recreational and life-skill opportunities, and how community support can help open those doors.
This year, the oundation joined forces with Co-operators, whose $25,000 matching gift helped inspire giving during the appeal.
“Co-operators was proud to support the Children’s Foundation this year through a matching gift to help inspire generosity and encourage even greater support for local youth,” Co-operators associate vice president Jessica Fisher said. “The incredible response to the Fund a Happily Ever After shows the impact we can make when community comes together to remove barriers and create opportunities for youth to reach their full potential.”
An anonymous donor also provided an additional $25,000 matching challenge, inspiring another wave of giving and helping bring the total raised through Fund a Happily Ever After to more than $122,000.
“One of the messages we shared at the Gala is that every child deserves the chance to feel like they’re part of the world around them,” foundation executive director Karyn Kirkwood said.
“Whether that means having enough nourishing food, joining a sports team, learning a new skill, or simply having the chance to participate alongside their peers, these experiences matter. And what a wonderful world we could create if every child had the same opportunities to become the biggest, brightest, and best version of themselves. This year’s Gala was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to help make that happen.”
Foundation officials extend gratitude to all the event partners and sponsors whose support made the evening possible, including Ambience Sponsor Frontiers Design + Build; Gold Sponsors Delta Hotels and Mattamy Homes; and Silver Sponsor Barzotti Woodworking Limited.
