Shining a Light on Youth Mental Health at Mayor’s Charitable Gala

The 4th Annual Mayor’s Charitable Gala, presented by Vesta Properties will shine a light on youth mental health in Langley, and on building a better future for children and youth in BC. The sparkling evening at the Langley Events Centre on September 10 is raising funds for the Township of Langley Firefighters Charitable Society (TLFCS) and Foundry Langley.
Hosted by Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese and Council, and IAFF 4550 President Jordan Sparrow, the Gala features a sparkling reception, a farm-to-table gourmet dinner, the Township of Langley Honour Guard with the Surrey Pipe and Drum Band, a live auction, a raffle and the ever-popular Truck of Wine.
“The Gala promises a fantastic evening that will Shine a Light on causes that empower youth, and help our community to build a stronger future,” said Froese who is hosting his final gala as he is not running for re-election in October.
The Langley School Snack Program and other initiatives supported by the TLFCS Endowment Fund, along with a campaign to open and support Foundry Langley, are vital community projects that will benefit from this year’s Gala.
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 Mayor’s 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.
With the goal of highlighting youth in the community, the Langley Ukulele Ensemble, consisting of members ages 13-18, will perform at the Gala, and one of the featured speakers is Leonarda Ognjenovic, a 19-year-old member of the Youth Advisory Committee for Foundry Langley.
Other entertainment includes special guest Emcee, Aldergrove native and TV personality Erin Cebula, Vancouver “Man About Town” Fred Lee and local favorite Karla Sax.
Tickets to attend the Gala in person are sold out, but everyone is invited to browse and bid in the online auction. There are over 40 items in the auction and more are being added daily. Items include signed Canucks’ jerseys, limited edition artwork, tastings at local favorites Dead Frog Brewing and Back Yard Vineyards, experiences and gift certificates for local establishments like Rail & River Bistro and the Lodge Steakhouse, gift baskets and more.
Browse and bid at https://trellis.org/tlfcs/auction until 9pm on September 10.
“The success of the Mayor’s Charitable Gala and the generosity shown by businesses and individuals helps us connect more people in Langley to vital assistance, said Sparrow.
Anyone who would like to support the fundraising campaign can make a direct donation to TLFCS, or can purchase a firefighter calendar.