Royal Reach gala raises $90k for mental health services in Guelph

GUELPH – With the help of a sold-out crowd, this year’s Royal Reach fundraising gala brought in more than $90,000 to support mental health services for local children and youth.

The charitable partner for this year’s event, which took place June 1, was the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW), and funds raised are to benefit the children and youth services at the newly built Woolwich Street location.

“The money raised will go towards therapeutic support for developmental and mental health services to create child friendly spaces which include toys, food, equipment and so much more,” Royal Reach co-founder Morgan Dundas said in a news release.

“It’s been a really painful few years that have dramatically impacted the wellness of our youth,” CMHA WW chief executive officer Helen Fishburn said in the release. “We have also seen our community rise up to this challenge, by reaching in, and investing in the wellness of our youth.”

Royal Reach is a perfect example of this, she stated.

“We are so grateful for the long lasting impact that this investment will have on our community,” Fisherburn stated.

This year’s event, which was headlined by title sponsor Coldwell Banker Neumann real estate brokerage, included some new features — a patio experience near the greens at Cutten Fields, a “Glam Booth,” an espresso martini ice luge, and many new silent auction offerings supported by local businesses.

The Royal Reach initiative aims to support a different charity each year, and 2024 attendees also voted to select the charitable partner for next year. After watching three videos from charities under consideration, KidsAbility was selected for 2025.

Those interest in learning more about Royal Reach or becoming a sponsor for the 2025 event are asked to visit www.royalreach.ca.