Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) hosted its 13th annual Conservation Gala on May 10. The final count shows a record level of support from the local community.
More than 375 guests raised approximately $300,000 in support of local environmental initiatives. Sponsorship from businesses in the community raised a significant portion of these funds.
The Conservation Gala is a fundraiser that supports CVCF’s five-year protect, connect and sustain campaign. The campaign goal is to raise $5 million for Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) by 2020 to support three key projects: the Credit Valley Trail, Conservation Youth Corps and land securement.
“This year’s gala was the most successful in the event’s 13-year history. We’re well on our way to reaching our five-year fundraising goal thanks to the open hands and hearts of our donors. We’re so grateful for the support from the community,” said Karen Ras, CVCF board chair.
The gala, held at Lionhead Golf Club and Conference Centre in Brampton, kicked-off with a cocktail reception sponsored by Lakeview Community Partners. Additional entertainment included a Birds of Prey experience with native wildlife and a local cider sampling station.
Guests were welcomed to the dining room by CVCF’s chair and master of ceremonies, Karen Ras. The event featured a special 10-item live auction with “philanthro-tainment” by Layne “the Auctionista” and a silent auction with 125 unique items and experiences. Dinner was sponsored by Port Credit West Village Partners, and wine sponsored by Condrain, DG Group, Aquatech and GEMS.
“This year we held a Fund-A-Need auction that was a huge success, raising over $25,000 in under five minutes,” said Terri LeRoux, CVCF executive director.
“We’re thrilled with the results. These funds will be used to acquire new land in the northern part of the watershed that we’ll protect for future generations.”
Since 2006, the Conservation Gala has raised over $1.9 million in support of CVC projects and initiatives that enhance the local environment for present and future generations. Every year the gala is attended by corporate leaders, individual donors and municipal representatives.
