Any time you have a first event, it is always a risk.
There was no risk at all, as the YMCA’s first ever “A Night in White” gala was a sellout.
Connon Nurseries hosted the all white night, which was a fundraiser for the Strong Kids campaign.
YMCA of Central East Ontario President Dave Allen spoke at the event and praised the supporters of the evening.
“It really is about the kids. That’s what we’re raising the funds for, because children don’t have a choice of the house or the home that they’re brought up in, or they’re raised in, or born into.”
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A Night in White Gala at Connon Nurseries (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Allen says as he celebrates his 60th birthday, it made him think of when he was a kid and that some of his friends and classmates did not participate in everything he did.
“But I think of the kids in the class and I often wondered, I never gave it a thought, how come they don’t play on the hockey team? How come they don’t play in the soccer league or the softball league, or any of the leagues that many of us in our school? I didn’t know any better.”
Allen says proceeds raised from the event go to ensure everyone, despite their background, abilities or financial position, have the opportunity to find belonging at their local YMCA.
“Give kids the opportunity to go to camp, give kids the opportunity to come and join in programs at the Y, become members of the Y and just be kids.”
Although money is still to be counted, VP of Funds Development Connie Reid and Event Organizing Chair Golda Lafferty say more than $20,000 was collected.
Co-Chair of the Strong Kids Campaign Sarah Rozema-Seaton also announced the winner of a $1,000 cash prize. Fittingly, the winner was the Executive Director of The Children’s Foundation Melanie Cressman. Cressman donated the cash prize back to Strong Kids.
A Night in White Gala at Connon Nurseries (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
