The Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey Gala, held on Saturday, October 19th at the Kincardine Davidson Centre, was a smashing success. With many worthy events competing for everyone’s attention this Fall, ticket sales were surprisingly low for our Gala this year, but the people who attended were obviously very dedicated to supporting Women’s House. The hall was transformed into a magical place for the night, thanks to Ruth Montgomery of The Maven Project. So that probably helped put everyone in the mood. Thanks to the Gala attendees who bid very generously on both the Live and Silent Auction items, and everyone who joined in to play our Famous Women Trivia Game this year we saw proceeds of over $6,000. Many thanks to our generous Silent and Live Auction item donors and the all the prize donors – with over 60 Silent Auction items, there was something for everyone. The four Live Auction prizes (A basket of $100 worth of scratch lottery tickets, sponsored by Heritage Fire Company; An iPad Wi-fi 32GB sponsored by Bruce Power; A Girl’s Getaway / Me Time package, sponsored by 11 donors; and a Sports Package, including tickets to games for the Raptors, Red Wings and Marlies, sponsored by 6 different donors) were very popular.
The costumes attested to the great imaginations of our attendees – so we gave out prizes for best costumes, decided by the attendees, shown by applause (and some hooting and hollering). There were people dressed in elegant outfits, with extravagant masks, superheros, animals of all kinds, and even cartoon characters. The Best Female costume, with the prize, donated by Lakeside Chevrolet and Lauren Schierz went to Cleopatra. The Best Male costume prize, donated by Lakeside Chevrolet and Grey Matter, went to a gallant Musketeer. And the Best Couple costume prize, donated by Ontario Power Generation, went to that same handsome Musketeer and his Lady love. The final prize, donated by Bruce Steakhouse was chosen by our MC-DJ-Auctioneer extraordinaire, Joe Carter – he visited, viewed and talked with tables of attendees to determine the Best Themed Table. This award was given to the Strong Women table: including Hilary Clinton, Cleopatra, Amelia Earhart, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Ada Lovelace, Frida Khalo, Rosie the Riveter and Malala Yousafzai. And then everyone joined in to play our Famous Women Trivia Game, with the winner earning a prize donated by Bruce Telecom.
A wonderful 3 course meal, served by Everywhere Catering (aka Bruce Steakhouse) was served prior to the games and prizes, and afterwards everyone leaped onto the dance floor and danced into the night, periodically stopping to bid on Silent Auction items. Much laughter and jocularity filled the night, and a wonderful time was had by all.
All proceeds will go towards Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey, to help offset the $193,562 shortfall that we experience this year between government funding and the actual costs to run the shelter and the vital programs and services that we offer to the women and children in our community that knock on our doors every day.
source: media release