The generosity of donors in Niagara is making a profound and positive impact for children and youth who have been in the care of FACS Niagara. The FACS Foundation’s 26th annual gala, the Hollywood Soiree, raised more than $120,000 (net) to fund programs supporting youth preparing to make the transition into adulthood and independent living.
With the gala themed around the sights and sounds of Tinseltown, youth being served by FACS were the stars of the event. Vladimir, one of the evening’s keynote speakers, told the crowd of more than 300 community members that, “FACS has changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. They didn’t just help me survive; they helped me thrive. For that, I will be forever grateful.”
Programs supported through the gala include life skills training programs, post-secondary and job training grants. Funds will also support the continuation of FACS Niagara’s Home for the Holidays program, which brings youth served by the agency together five times per year where they connect with friends, get nutritious meals, and receive mentorship from their workers.
“The gala is always a special night,” said Anna Bozza, FACS Niagara CEO. “It’s made even more special by the contributions of our youth who showcase their talents, strength, and resilience.”
“This was the most successful gala event in the Foundation’s history,” said Rhianon Burkholder, FACS Foundation Board Chair. “The funds raised will help improve the lives and wellbeing of children and youth served by FACS. We are grateful to our sponsors and donors for their continued support of this important work.”
Special thanks to the Dritsacos family for making the evening’s single largest donation of $25,000. This gift will provide six youth with life skills programming for a year, a grant for postsecondary education, and five Home for the Holidays events. Thank you also to Canadian Tire Welland which provided a generous gift of $15,000 to support four youth for a year.
Our deepest appreciation for presenting sponsor RBC, who has been the title sponsor for the past three Foundation gala events. Thanks also to our Foster Hope sponsor Commercial Cleaning Services whose sponsorship provided our dedicated foster parents to attend the event and our Childhood Champion sponsor Assante Wealth Management who assisted our youth attending the gala. 13th Street Winery provided wine for all guests as the evening’s official wine sponsor.
The gala event was held at John Michael’s Banquet and Events Centre in Thorold on Friday, April 25.
