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Reach for the Stars at gala

Annual fundraiser at Harris Barn

The community will get the chance to kick up its heels at the Harris Barn next month while helping children with special needs.

Reach Child and Youth Development Foundation is partnering with Port Metro Vancouver, Odlum Brown and a host of other sponsors to present the second annual Reach for the Stars fundraising gala on Saturday, March 1. Proceeds from the event will go toward Reach's Building for Children Together, a $4 million capital project to construct a new centre in Ladner for children and youth with special needs.

Reach provides services, programs and resources for children and youth with disabilities and their families, but is operating out of a centre that is difficult to access and not designed to meet current needs.

"It is critical that families have easy access to services in order for their child to get the supports they need, and have the opportunity for the best outcomes," says Reach executive director Renie D'Aquila.

The new Reach centre will be built on the site of the current Kin House adjacent to Ladner Pioneer Library. The land for the new centre, valued in excess of $1 million, has been given by the Corporation of Delta.

The Reach Foundation has raised $1.3 million for the project and is counting on the gala to bring it closer to the $4 million goal. Last year's Reach for the Stars gala raised $50,000 towards the new centre.

This year organizers are setting their sights higher, with an event they say will wow guests.

"In addition to raising a lot of money for the new centre, we are making sure that everyone who comes to Reach for the Stars has a lot of fun, gets some fabulous, unique auction prizes you can't find anywhere else, and leaves inspired by our wonderful speakers and entertainers," says Reach fundraising and event coordinator Joni Wright. In keeping with the country charm of Harris Barn, guests will enjoy a hay lounge, beer tasting, bluegrass band, barbecue buffet dinner, square dancers and more.

There will also be lots of great auction items, including a trip for two to Nashville to see the American Country Music Awards.

Reach is also holding a raffle donated by the Air Canada Foundation for two tickets anywhere Air Canada flies in North America, including Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean. The winner will be drawn at the Reach for the Stars.

Tickets are $95 for the main floor or $75 for seating in the hay loft. VIP tables can be reserved for an additional $250.

To buy tickets call 604-946-6622 ext. 0, visit the Reach office at 3-3800-72nd St. or go to www.reachforthestarsevent.org.