Saturday November 2^nd was the LGBTQ Youth Centre’s 2^nd annual Gala. I was not around for last year’s event but I must say this year was a huge success! I was really happy to be a part of it and happy that so many people I invited were able to come.

I first heard about this event back in May when it was brought up at the board meeting. As months passed I realized how big of a deal this event was and how much it meant to the youth centre. But even though it was clear that it was important, nothing could prepare me for tremendous amount of work and planning that needed to get done. My part was somewhat small, if anything at all, and my head was spinning weeks before the big night.

I tried to get in contact with as many companies and people I knew, who could be interested in either attending or donating something for the silent auction. I sent letters to politicians of every stripe, I sent emails to journalists and other media personalities and I also called and spoke to a few local business. I let all my family and friends know about the event and hounded some of them until they agreed to come. I realize that not everyone could afford $80 but I was happy that several friends and family members attended. One of my good friends (who will remain nameless but she knows who she is), was not able to come up with the money so she graciously volunteered to help out anyway she could.

Once the night of the event came around and I walked it to see the dining area and everything that had gone into it, I was blown away. There were rainbow curtains for the backdrop of the stage, candles and flowers on each table as well as a huge amount of donated goods for the auctions.

I knew there was going to be entertainment for the night but I had no idea what to expect. Jess always has good judgement so I was not worried at all and boy did she pull through. I helped the performers do their sound check and prepare for the night’s show. From what I saw during the warm up I was very impressed – I knew the audience was going to love them.

As the night went on the youth served hors d’oeuvres followed by soup, salad, the main course and then dessert and in between each course there was a little speech. The food was absolutely amazing – as if it was from a fancy restaurant. The youth that volunteered to help out were awesome at serving each table and making sure everyone had enough water. The speeches that they did were so heart felt and I know it touched each and every one of us in the hall.

Once all the speeches were done it was time for the after dinner show and I must tell you it was top-notch. There were 4 performers who each had their own specialty and they wowed the crowd with just that special something that ended the night just right.

After such an amazing event we had I know next year will be bigger and better! For those of you who missed out, you really missed a fantastic evening and I hope you get to join us next year.

I would like to take a few moments to say some thanks to certain individuals that without their dedication and hard work, the Gala would not have happened.

First I would like to thank Cindy Casey. I have never met such a kind and loving person who also has such drive and perseverance. She basically was the foundation for the whole night. Of course everyone had their part and helped out but Cindy was at the core, she made sure that everything got done properly and with such synergy. She even spent part of the night in the kitchen helping things go along smoothly. Though I am not certain, I am almost certain the food was so delicious because of her excellence.  Oh and that reminds me – the pecan hors d’oeuvres were to die for. Anyways I was really amazed at all the work she put into the planning, preparations and execution of the whole occasion.

The kitchen staff (and cleanup crew) who volunteered their time to such a tiring day were amazing. Though I do not have all of their names, they have hearts of gold to go through such demanding tasks.

The other volunteers and board members who helped with the silent auctions, registration of guests, emceeing and any other job that needed to get done including planning – thank you as well. Though your hard work may not be as rewarding or as apparent, it is more than just appreciated – it is valued and treasured by the youth whose lives you help and save.

And a big thanks to the youth that dedicated their Saturday night for the cause. I know they all benefit from the proceeds from the evening but they worked very hard and did a great job.

The second part of this blog I will be dedicated to describing what the money raised will be going towards and thanking all the businesses that donated money or items for the silent auction. Tune in next blog J