It’s time to reconnect.
That’s from Claire MacLean, the executive director of the Tri-Cities’ largest social services agency SHARE, which next month marks its 50th year with its Imagine gala at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver.
With provincial health orders easing, MacLean said her organization decided to host an in-person event — for the first time in two years — to re-group with community stakeholders and supporters.
“I think what we’ve seen over the course of the pandemic is that social interaction is so important,” she told the Tri-City News. “We’ve seen such mental health challenges, and we need to reconnect.”
MacLean said the past two years of COVID-19 put additional pressures on the non-profit though “we took our role as an essential service provider very seriously, and we never stopped our counselling or running the food bank or helping seniors. The staff have been truly remarkable during this time.”
And she noted the golden anniversary gala on April 2 will not only celebrate SHARE’s achievements, but also raise funds through the gala, as well as a digital silent auction, a raffle and 50–50 tickets.
For gala attendees (who are asked to wear face masks and show proof of vaccination for entry), there will be dancing to a live band and a culinary competition with local restaurants and caterers:
- Cassandra Cake Co.
- Hard Rock Casino Vancouver
- Executive Plaza Hotel
- The Golden Boot
- Mr. Mikes
- Pasta Polo
A People’s Choice award will be handed out to the winner, while the Tri-Cities’ five mayors — Richard Stewart (Coquitlam); Brad West (Port Coquitlam); Robert Vagramov (Port Moody); John McEwen (Anmore); and Jamie Ross (Belcarra) — will judge the eats for another accolade at the event.
Meanwhile, on March 18, the digital silent auction will go live via sharesociety.ca/imagine. Some of the top prizes you can bid on include:
- roundtrip airfare for two with WestJet
- a two-night stay at the Summerland Waterfront Resort
- rental of Rocky Point Ice Cream's ice cream truck
- a private dining experience with Crisp Cuisine
- tickets to various sporting events, wine packages and craft beer packages from Lower Mainland breweries
As well, you can support SHARE through a raffle and 50–50 draw, of which tickets are now on sale.
WHERE THE MONEY GOES
Last year’s ReImagine event — an online fundraiser — brought in $122,000 to pay for critical community services such as the food bank, help for refugees and newcomers to the Tri-Cities and youth battling addiction, counselling for kids struggling with bullying at school and kids with developmental delays and disabilities, as well as speech, physical and occupational therapy for kids.
“This is our first time back in two years and we’re really thrilled,” MacLean said. “SHARE is part of the fabric of this community, and the gala is an amazing opportunity for us to say thank you.”
Sponsored in part by the Tri-City News, Imagine 2022 at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam) is on April 2. Tickets are $150 via sharesociety.ca/imagine. Call 604-540-9161.
