GUELPH/WELLINGTON COUNTY – The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington is celebrating another successful Once Upon a Time Gala, raising more than $214,000 for local children and youth.
More than 290 guests attended the annual fundraiser on Saturday, October 24th, at the Delta Hotels in Guelph, where this year’s theme was “Under the Sea”.
The evening featured live entertainment, auctions, raffles, and a variety of activities, all in support of programs that help children and youth across the region.
In a media release, the foundation said, “This year, the Foundation shone a spotlight on the Free to Grow program and the importance of play, participation, and belonging in helping children thrive. Through the evening’s Fund a Happily Ever After appeal, guests learned how financial barriers can prevent children and youth from accessing recreational and life-skill opportunities, and how community support can help open those doors.”
Co-operators contributed a $25,000 matching gift; however, the foundation says the generosity did not stop there.
“An anonymous donor also provided an additional $25,000 matching challenge, inspiring another wave of giving and helping bring the total raised through Fund a Happily Ever After to more than $122,000.”
Children’s Foundation Executive Director Karyn Kirkwood says every child deserves the opportunity to participate and feel included.
“One of the messages we shared at the Gala is that every child deserves the chance to feel like they’re part of the world around them,” Kirkwood said.
“Whether that means having enough nourishing food, joining a sports team, learning a new skill, or simply having the chance to participate alongside their peers, these experiences matter. And what a wonderful world we could create if every child had the same opportunities to become the biggest, brightest, and best version of themselves. This year’s Gala was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to help make that happen,” Kirkwood added.
More information, including event photos and a full recap, is available at childrensfoundation.org/onceuponatimegala.
