A social services agency in the Tri-Cities is already circling next year’s date for its signature gala.
The annual SHARE Family and Services Society fundraiser last Saturday, March 2, at the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam brought in a whopping $292,000 through ticket sales, as well as raffle and ticket sales, donations and sponsorship, including from the Tri-City News.
Among the big contributors in the call-to-action at the Imagine “No Place Like Home” event were:
- Coquitlam Centre = $20,000
- Rotary Club of Coquitlam = $10,000
- Hillside Church = $3,000
Money generated from the 19th gala, presented by Wesbild, will be spent on counselling, and children and refugee supports for Tri-City residents in need.
About 5,000 people now use the SHARE food bank each month, up from 40 per cent from last year while demand for mental health programs is up 50 per cent.
The event in The Show Theatre included a Tri-Local spin wheel with gift cards and prizes, a roaming photo booth, a 50–50 raffle, silent auction and characters from The Wizard of Oz who invited guests to walk down the Yellow Brick Road and make a difference in people’s daily lives.
Attendees also got to sample some culinary delights from seven eateries:
- Cassandra Cake Co.
- winner of People’s Choice Best Sweet Dish and VIP’s Choice Best Sweet Dish
- Caffe Delish
- Great Canadian Casino Vancouver
- winner of People’s Choice Best Savoury Dish
- Pasta Polo
- winner of VIP’s Choice of Best Savoury Dish
- Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual
- Dehls Gourmet
- Top Notch Catering
In a statement to the Tri-City News today, March 7, SHARE CEO Claire MacLean praised the community for pitching in.
“Thank you to our incredible sponsors, culinary partners, volunteers and staff, and our guests, for a wonderful evening,” she said.
“At a time when the need for SHARE’s services has never been greater, the support of our community means everything. Thank you all for helping us make magic and can’t wait to see you next year on March 8, 2025.”
To make a monthly donation to SHARE, you can visit the agency's website.
