GUELPH – More than $90,000 was raised to support the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) at the sold-out Royal Reach event on June 1.
Officials are calling it a milestone.
The 2024 charitable partner, CMHA WW, is a cause close to many supporters of Royal Reach.
The funds raised will support children and youth services at the newly built Woolwich Street location in Guelph.
The 2024 event was headlined by the new title sponsor Coldwell Banker Neumann, a local real estate brokerage that believes in the power of community and the importance of giving back.
“Royal Reach proceeds this year will bring so much to the new CHMA WW facility on Woolwich Street,” said Morgan Dundas, co-founder of Royal Reach.
Dundas said 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 more.
“Gratitude overwhelms us as we reflect on the support from our community, the generosity of our donors/friends, and the tireless dedication of our committee members, who have invested countless hours to make a difference here in Guelph,” added Royal Reach co-ofounder Christina FitzGibbon.
“This year exceeded our expectations and it was a pleasure working together with the team at CMHA WW for such an important cause.”
CMHA Waterloo Wellington CAO Helen Fishburn called the contribution “incredible.”
“It’s been a really painful few years that has dramatically impacted the wellness of our youth,” Fishburn said.
“We have also seen our community rise up to this challenge by reaching in and investing in the wellness of our youth.”
The contribution ensures that local children and youth are able to access the care that they need.
But it also helped shine a spotlight on mental health by raising awareness about the programs and services CMHA WW provides for children, youth, and their caregivers, Fishburn noted.
“With this support, we are able to provide the right mental health and developmental care at the right time for youth in need. We are so grateful for the long lasting impact that this investment will have on our community,” she said.
The 2024 event brought many new features for the crowd including a new food station style layout, 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 business owners and community leaders.
2024 Royal Reach attendees also voted and selected the 2025 charitable partner, a feature that makes attendees feel deeply connected to the causes brought forward and were voted on in real time after watching videos from each of the three charities being considered.
KidsAbility was selected as the charitable partner Royal Reach will support in 2025.
The Royal Reach is an initiative aimed at hosting an annual Gala event to support a different charity each year.
The primary objective is to engage attendees in a new and exciting way to participate in charitable activities, fostering excitement about community support.
Over three years, Royal Reach has raised $180,000 and counting for local charities.
The event is designed to offer guests a fun and enjoyable experience while contributing to meaningful causes, hence its tagline #PartyWithPurpose.
Officials also offered sincere thanks to the incredible sponsors who supported Royal Reach 2024
For those interested in becoming involved or sponsoring the fourth Royal Reach event in 2025, please visit www.royalreach.ca.
