GUELPH – The 19th annual Bishop’s Dinner for Community Needs held on Oct. 21 raised $19,500 for local community organizations.
As with many annual events through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) and Diocese of Hamilton’s annual Bishop’s Dinner committee contended with the challenge of re-imagining this fundraising event to continue its long-standing tradition of supporting local community agencies focused on assisting families in need.
This year’s hybrid event offered participants the opportunity to make an online donation, take part in an online auction, and enjoy a take-out dinner from the Italian Canadian Club or Fergies Fine Foods while watching the virtual event from the comfort of their home.
“We are so thankful to the many community members and organizations who provided much needed support to this year’s beneficiaries,” said WCDBS chair Vicki Dupuis.
“Despite the rising need in our community, these organizations have stepped up to provide vital support to both our families and the community at large even as they themselves were in the midst of recovery,” she added.
“We know the need is great and the recipients of this support are our children and their families, so we are grateful for every dollar that was raised.”
Organizations receiving support from this year’s event include the Centre Wellington Food Bank, Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington, the Canadian Mental Health Association and the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Guelph and Wellington County.
“While the move to a hybrid event was a new experience for many of us, it was important that we continued the tradition of supporting local organizations and community partners through this event,” said WCDSB director of education Michael Glazier.
“We appreciate our staff and the many community members who embraced this year’s new format and were able to contribute to this initiative.”
Over the course of its 19-year history, the annual Bishop’s Dinner for Community Needs has raised over $750,000 for community organizations in need.
“We look forward to celebrating the 20th year of the Bishop’s Dinner next fall and continuing to build on the strong legacy of community support on issues such as food security, mental health, and access to programs for children,” said Glazier.
