OVER $6K RAISED AT 2010 VALENTINE’S GALA

Love is expressed in many ways – love of dance, love of silent auctions, love of wonderful wines and fabulous foods, love of others, love of self – and on February 13, 2010, the Hopewell “LOVE YOUR LIFE” Valentine’s Gala had them all. All that, and over $6,000 for Hopewell.

This second annual Gala, held at event partner’s Hilton Garden Inn (Airport) http://tinyurl.com/yz5r2lr kicked off with an array of Hilton’s hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and a bevy of “Hopewelltinis” – a delicious pomegranate cocktail created just for this occasion. The impressive “Everything Hilton” luxury weekend raffle thrilled winning couple Roger and Brigitte Smiley who look forward to experiencing their luxury Hilton Garden Inn suite, dinners, and breakfasts.

Onsite portraits by photographer Erin Fitzpatrick www.erinfitzpatrick.ca allowed guests to capture the moment with memorable shots. Pelee Island Winery’s www.peleeisland.com “Sip ‘n Tip” gave gala guests a chance to sample luscious reds and whites, with all donations to Hopewell.

Guests entering the ballroom were greeted by decorative lighting, courtesy of Quality Entertainment www.qualityentertainment.ca . More than 30 silent auction items provided an impressive selection ranging from singing lessons, yoga classes, and painting services, to a week in a Haliburton cottage, a year’s supply of Starbucks coffee, and beautiful artwork pieces.  

Christine Flammer, Hopewell’s Executive Director, said a few words at the podium and introduced everyone to how Hopewell helps so many. Acknowledging the many people who contributed to the event, Christine gave a tip of the hat to the organizing committee comprised of Marion Grobb Finkelstein, Sandy Campbell, Julia Abbenda and Manuela Charette. 

The stage, from Advantage Audio Visual Rentals www.advantageav.com , provided the platform for popular Showtime Party Band www.showtimepartyband.com to rock the party all night long. And rock they did – the dance floor was packed until the very last song. 

This gala was a time to LOVE YOUR LIFE and make a difference. And it did.