Langley Township – A special evening that brought more than 650 generous guests out to a unique venue to support a very important cause made the Second Annual Mayor’s Charitable Gala a huge success.
The Gala, which was held Saturday, September 14 and presented by lead sponsor Coast Spas, raised more than $646,000 for Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society (TLFCS) charities, including the Langley Hospice Society.
“We were thrilled with the response this year, and people’s willingness to help others,” said Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese. “There were 100 additional tickets sold this year and they all went in a matter of weeks, so we knew it was going to be an exceptional evening.”
The reality exceeded expectations, said Township of Langley firefighter Andy Hewitson, President of IAFF Local 4550 and co-host of the event with Mayor Froese.
“Our firefighters are dedicated to serving the community we work and live in, and the residents and businesses went above and beyond to help us achieve our goals,” Hewitson said. “The funds raised at this year’s gala will have a huge impact for years to come.”
The main benefactor of the 2019 Gala is Langley Hospice Society, which has been providing quality palliative care and compassionate support to those coping with grief and the end of life for more than 35 years. The Hospice Society provides financial and volunteer support at the 10-bed interim residence on the grounds of Langley Memorial Hospital, and will soon be constructing a permanent, freestanding residence to meet the needs of the growing community.
“The money raised from the Gala will help us furnish and finish our new house, truly making it a home,” said Society Executive Director Carissa Halley. “We are so pleased to be able to provide patients and their families with the support and resources they need in a warm, comfortable environment. The end of life journey is not just about dying, it’s about living well, right to the end.”
To learn more about Langley Hospice Society and its new residence, visit langleyhospice.com.
The Gala, which was presented by Mayor Jack Froese, Township of Langley Council, and Township of Langley Firefighters IAFF Local 4550, featured a gourmet dinner, special musical guest Shawn Austin, entertainment, and numerous fundraising opportunities. Held at StandardAero at the Langley Regional Airport, the venue gave attendees a rare glimpse into one of the aerospace industry’s largest independent maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers.
“It was an unusual and effective place to hold an event like this, something unexpected. It made a great impact, and guests were really impressed,” said Froese. He noted that Hospice Society volunteers had decorated the venue in a Fire and Ice theme that showcased the unique facility.
“The event could not have taken place without the generous support of our friends and local businesses, amazing sponsors, and more than 100 volunteers and firefighters,” Hewitson said.
During the event, guests were extremely giving, taking part in silent and live auctions, a chance to win a fire truck full of wine, and other fun fundraisers that will put money back into the community.
“Many people and businesses supported this Gala, our Township firefighters, and the Charitable Society; it makes me so proud of this community,” said Froese. “It was a lot of hard work, but the result was a night to remember.”
Besides helping to finish and furnish the new Hospice residence, money raised from the 2019 Mayor’s Charitable Gala will be used by the TLFCS for initiatives such as its school snack program and an endowment fund that will allow the Society to support the community into the future.
The Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society is getting ready to release its Pets & Firefighters 2020 Calendar in collaboration with the Langley Animal Protection Society, and will be holding a Kids Clothing Drive in the spring. Learn more and give at tlfcs.org.
For more information, contact mayorsgala@iaff4550.ca.
