Mayor's Gala Raises $25,100 to "Konnect" Kids!

The cold weather did not damper the generosity of participants and sponsors of the Second Annual Pelham Mayor’s Gala held at Peninsula Lakes Golf Course on Saturday, May 8, 2010.

The black-tie event raised $25,100 (net) for “Konnecting Kids” and included an exquisite Marché dinner, dozens of silent auction prizes, an “activity auction”, and talented Pelham-based entertainment.

I am so grateful to the sponsors, donors, participants, and volunteers of this Second Annual Gala. Because of their generosity and support, kids in need will have the opportunity to use their talents and follow their interests – for art, for sport, for music – to their fullest potential.

The Second Annual Mayor’s Gala included an exquisite Marché–style dinner, a silent auction with nearly 100 items donated by local and Regional businesses, and an activity auction – where donors could directly fund activities like music lessons, camp fees, and sport registration fees for needy children.

Chantal, a 14-year-old Pelham youth, gave an impassioned testimonial on how the “Konnecting Kids” program has positively impacted her life.

The Gala also featured some outstanding Pelham musical talent including Mark Lalama, one of Canada’s most accomplished composers, producers and musicians; Greg Holmes, playing a “stick-Guitar” during the cocktail hour; and Jim Casson, who assembled an All-Star Gala Band for the party at the end of the night.

Elite sponsors for the event included: ABC Recreation Ltd, AECOM, Charter Building, CIBC, Custom Cart Services, Einstein’s Art & Home, Lafarge, Meridian Credit Union, Niagara College, Peninsula Lakes Golf Course, Quartek Group Inc., and Walker Industries.

The volunteer organizing committee included Jordan Arcaro, Jean Bancroft, Betty Brown, Ian Hamilton, John Nicol, Ruth Nixon, Susan Wink, and Paul Winkler. The event ran very smoothly because of volunteers Jordan Arcaro, Jean Bancroft, Betty Brown, Ruth Nixon, Leah Ugulini, Susan Wink, and Jake Winkler.

A special partnership fund established in 2001 by the Town of Pelham and Pelham Cares, “Konnecting Kids” allows a Pelham youth whose family has limited financial resources to participate in recreational, cultural, and educational programs.

Last year’s Inaugural Mayor’s Gala was one of Pelham’s most successful fundraising events, raising $22,700 net) for “Project Pelham Cares” – a permanent location for Pelham Cares services.