Over $700,000 Raised at “Shine A Light” Mayor’s Gala

On Saturday, September 10, 2022, over 400 guests participated in “Shine a Light”, the 4th Annual Mayor’s Charitable Gala at the Langley Events Centre and raised over $700,000 in support of the Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society (TLFCS) and Foundry Langley.

For seven years, the TLFCS has been ensuring children aren’t going hungry and can focus on learning by providing healthy snacks to students in Township of Langley schools. Snacks are currently provided in 25 schools, and the goal is to extend the program to all 36 schools in the community.

Foundry Langley will also receive funds from the Gala. The centre at 20618 Eastleigh Crescent is bringing health and social services together in one place for youth ages 12-24, and their families. Part of the Gala proceeds will seed an Innovation Fund for ongoing support of new programs for emerging and urgent needs.

The Gala raised funds that support these important community initiatives and is made possible through the generous support of corporate sponsors and dedicated volunteers. Over 60 Volunteers were involved in the 4th Annual Mayor’s Charitable Gala.

Guests at the Gala were greeted by Honour Guard members, who led them into the arena bowl which was transformed from a hockey rink to a shimmering tribute to youth and mental health with sparkling stars and spotlights.

Attendees dined on a 3-course farm to table menu created by Executive Chef Welbert Choi and the Forage Catering Team, while they enjoyed presentations that highlighted Langley youth including two performances by the Langley Ukulele Ensemble, consisting of 21 members between the ages of 13 and 18, and a speech given by Leonarda, a 19-year-old Youth Ambassador for Foundry Langley.

Aldergrove native Erin Cebula was emcee for the evening and was joined by auctioneer Fred Lee who brought in over $22,000 in a live auction featuring a ride to school in a Township of Langley fire truck and a page in the 2024 Firefighter’s pet calendar.

Other highlights included the Honour Guard and Surrey Pipe and Drums band, a 360-degree photo booth and the ever popular Truck of Wine, where over $4,000 worth of wine went to one lucky winner.

This was the final Gala for Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese, as he is not running for re-election. The work he has done in the community, and in particular his support of the TLFCS initiatives was recognized in a special presentation by IAFF 4550 President Jordan Sparrow, who had dozens of volunteers join him on stage in a tribute to the Mayor.

Later in the evening, Presenting Sponsor Vesta Properties announced a major gift of $500,000 to the TLFCS. In a short speech Vesta President Kent Sillars also gave thanks to Mayor Froese and commended him on his work done while in office.

Other major Gala sponsors included Surrey Cedar Ltd., Clover Towing and Heart & Soul Infinity Properties.