Reach Child and Youth Development Society held its fourth annual gala last Saturday night and the Passion for Potential theme was validated by the crowd in a big way.
The evening raised $110,000, $10,000 more than in 2015, to benefit the Building for Children Together capital campaign that's poised to construct a child development centre in the heart of Ladner.
"Our boards and staff are humbled and deeply touched by the circle of support that has surrounded this project and the families that we support," said Reach Society president Donna Burke. Native North Deltan and Global BC TV news anchor Steve Darling returned as MC at the gala and entertained the crowds throughout the night with his wit and charm. Century Group and Vancouver Fraser Port Authority were presenting sponsors while Canadian Autoparts Toyota sponsored Reach for the Stars at the platinum level.
High points of the evening included the live auction with Delta's own professional auctioneer, civic councillor Ian Paton. An amazing $7,000 was raised when a hand-carved Coast Salish paddle by Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Bryce Williams fetched $3,500 and then Williams agreed to carve another paddle for a second bidder.
Local parents Somi and Chris Benning shared the story of their son's journey with Reach's early intervention programs in a touching video filmed by Delta Cable. Young vocalist Jada McKenzie-Moore and speaker and Reach autism program alumnus Trinity Silva received standing ovations.
Mayor Lois Jackson spoke at the event and referenced Reach's newly opened Play and Learn Centre in the North Delta Recreation Centre as well as the development centre to be built in the heart of Ladner.
"Reach is formally part of the social fabric," Jackson said. "Reach has empowered families with guidance and information."
The evening's 50/50 winnings were donated back to the Reach Foundation and then members of the Ladner-Tsawwassen Kinsmen volunteering at the gala matched the total amount raised.
At the end of the evening, Reach Foundation acting chair Denis Horgan offered a big thank you to the many volunteers who made the event possible, the businesses and individuals who donated and the guests who attended.
He encouraged participants to continue to help Reach raise the remaining $1 million needed to complete construction of the child development centre.
