Mayor's Charitable Gala Helps New Hospice House
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Bigger space, more guests, additional activities and entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to raise money for an organization that means so much to the people of Langley.
That is what is planned for the Mayor’s Charitable Gala, which is returning for a second year to raise funds for the Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society (TLFCS), with the bulk of the proceeds going to Langley Hospice Society’s new 15-bed residence.
The Gala, presented by Mayor Jack Froese, Township of Langley Council, and Township of Langley Firefighters IAFF Local 4550, will be held Saturday, September 14 at StandardAero at the Langley Regional Airport. Tickets go on sale Monday, June 3 at tlfcs.org and are $250 for individual tickets and $2,000 for a table of eight.
“We are thrilled to once again partner with our firefighters to present this very special evening,” said Froese. “Last year’s Gala was a huge success and we are very grateful to the sponsors and donors, everyone who attended, and the firefighters, volunteers, and staff members who worked so hard to make it a memorable night. We look forward to doing it again this year with the Langley Hospice Society as the main benefactor.”
Firefighter Steve McLay, a member of the TLFCS and one of the event’s organizers, said the inaugural Gala surpassed all expectations, in terms of how generous the community was and how well the evening turned out.
Thanks to those who supported the event and a generous donation from local resident Ann Blaauw, more than $850,000 was raised. The funds benefited Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation’s campaign for a new emergency department and TLFCS initiatives, including its school snack program and an endowment fund that will allow the Society to support the community into the future.
“We are building on that success for the 2nd Annual Mayor’s Charitable Gala, adding additional tables for more guests, and a unique new location. We hope to raise even more money this year,” said McLay, noting that last year’s Gala sold out in 26 days.
This year the theme will be Fire and Ice, and Gala festivities will include dinner, a live and silent auction, special musical guest, and entertainment throughout the night. A chance to win a fire truck load of wine will return, and guests will have many opportunities to take part in fun, fundraising activities which will help bring the Langley Hospice Society closer to raising $1 million for the new 15-bed hospice residence.
Since the 1980s, the Society has been providing compassionate support to help people live with dignity and hope while coping with grief and the end of life. The Hospice Society provides financial and volunteer support at the 10-bed interim residence on the grounds of Langley Memorial Hospital, but its goal has always been to have a permanent, freestanding residence to meet the palliative care needs of our growing community.
Construction of a new 15-bed hospice residence will soon be underway, said Interim Acting Executive Director Shannon Todd Booth, and the Langley Hospice Society is grateful to have been chosen to benefit from the Gala.
“The funds raised from the Mayor’s Charitable Gala will help to furnish and outfit our new hospice residence and truly make our new house a home – for patients and their families when they need it most,” she said. “The Langley Hospice Society board, staff, and volunteers are excited to be able to make this new residence a reality for our community to ensure access to quality palliative care for those who need it. It’s been 35 plus years in the making.”
Many Hospice volunteers are eager to help set up and decorate for the Gala, and to showcase this year’s venue, StandardAero, which McLay said is “an amazing facility.”
A few Gala sponsorship opportunities are still available at tlfcs.org for those companies who want to lend their support, and McLay said the majority of businesses that offered sponsorship last year were eager to get on board again. “They want to give back to the community they work in or are involved with, and we are so grateful,” he said.
For more information, contact mayorsgala@iaff4550.ca.
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