More than 100 guests turned out for the fifth annual Chef’s Charity Dinner that raised $47,163 for Dan’s Legacy.
Funds raised at the Nov. 6 event at the Beach Grove Golf Club will go towards the charity’s counselling and life-skills programs for youth affected by trauma-based mental health and addictions challenges.
CBC Radio host Angela Sterrit was the evening’s MC and “Mr. Gala” Fred Lee returned to lead the live auction.
Executive chef Froilan Alejo (Beach Grove Golf Club), chef Shay Kelly (The Caterer), chefs Bruce Nollert and TJ Conwi (Ono Vancouver) and pastry chef Vanessa Trotte (The Caterer) created the entire signature menu using only recovered food.
During the event, Sterritt and Dan’s Legacy’s board secretary Sierra Van Straaten both talked about their own experiences with trauma-based mental health challenges.
“I’d like to thank Angela and Sierra for telling us their deeply moving and powerful stories,” says Barbara Coates, Dan’s Legacy’s executive director. “It took an exceptional amount of courage to do that, and it sends the message that with counselling support, young people can find the insight and empowerment to rise above their experienced trauma and live their best lives.”
Special guests included Delta Mayor George Harvie, Delta police Chief Neil Dubord, Delta councillors Dan Copeland and Dylan Kruger, members of Dan’s Legacy’s board of directors, representatives of other mental health organizations in Delta and drummers from the Cwenengitel Aboriginal Society.
Dan’s Legacy thanks its presenting sponsor CN Rail, and gala sponsors the Beach Grove Golf Club, Art of the Party, Experience Delta, Miss 604, Envision Financial, Kettner Creative, Rivale Internationale, Stacey and Michele Greatrex who provided a matching sponsorship of $5,000, and all of the guests for their generous support of the cause.
Dan’s Legacy provides therapeutic counselling and life-skills intervention programs to youth battling trauma-based mental health and addictions issues. In the past four years, Dan’s Legacy has helped over 300 youth meet their educational, housing and life-goals.
