This past Saturday night, at Ariss Valley Golf and Country Club, the community was out in full force, dressed to impress, and with the ability to make a difference – a big difference.
Thanks to the big love shown, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington will see that the $43,000 raised at the gala event will go towards program support and getting at least 10 children off the waitlist in 2017.
The community also honoured a Big Sister that passed away suddenly in December, Kim Nicklasson, for how she lived her life.
The Big Star Award went to Angie Murie, a board member and visionary difference maker.
The Jane Cooper Award for an Outstanding Little went to local Little Sister, Hanna Viladesau, with her Big Sister, Leah Berg, by her side.
With ticket sales of 175, silent and live auctions auctioned by Steve Parr, a “fund-a-friendship” hosted by MC Kelly Waterhouse, games, and the grand prize raffle for two West Jet tickets, they not only reach their goal, but surpass it.
“This was a feel good event,” said Kristen Drexler, executive director, “Even when we sadly honoured Kim, it was nice to know her family was seeing all the lives she touched in a warm and wonderful way – the way I am sure she would want to be remembered. The event was such a collaboration of efforts, from volunteers to donors, to sponsors, to the many local businesses that came as guests. It was so inspiring to see. We cannot wait to make a difference in 2017.”
The funds raised will assist in keeping the agencies groups and mentoring services running. Some groups include: Game On! for youth boys; Go Girls! for youth girls, as well as in-school and one-on-one mentoring. For more information about these and other services see the Big Brothers Big Sisters Centre Wellington website at www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/centrewellington.
“Our lives can change in a moment and a moment can change our lives. It is a beautiful thing to have witnessed the enormous heart that beats at the centre of our community” said a Big Night Out Gala 2017 volunteer.
