The annual Guardian Angel Gala, in support of The Children’s Foundation, was held on Saturday evening to honour a pair of individuals who gave their all in helping the local community.
The pair, Tom & Golda Lafferty, accepted the honour of being this year’s Guardian Angels. Golda said their only goal is to raise as much as possible for the kids.
“There are no words to express how incredible it is,” said Golda Lafferty. “When you talk to people, I’ve spoken to a couple of people now that said that it’s been a while since they’ve come, and because it was us they came. I don’t even know how you deal with that, how you thank somebody for that.”
Tom Lafferty said he was surprised that he was being recognized at all, and that he and his wife are very ordinary people.
“It is overwhelming. Just so much to think of, and it’s all about the kids. It is overwhelming. I can’t think of another word.”
The pair were selected to be Guardian Angels due to their philanthropic efforts across the community, supporting the community’s children through The Children’s Foundation, YMCA Strong Kids campaign and Children’s Safety Village. The pair also supported other causes including Three Oaks Shelter and the Belleville General Hospital Foundation.
While the final numbers aren’t in yet for how much was raised, Executive Director of the Children’s Foundation, Melanie Cressman, said that so far the event had been an overwhelming success.
This year’s gala included a live auction, with a variety of prizes up for grabs. The proceeds from the event are set to go to the Reach for Success program which provides support to send kids to post-secondary education.
The gala has been a yearly event, honouring people and organizations helping in the community, since 2002.
Guests mingle in the soft blue lighting at the Belleville Armory, as the gala gets under way.
