Hospital foundation gala DRIVES support for Langley child and youth
Langley Community Health & Hospital Foundation will shift its support for children and youth into high gear when its DRIVE Gala roars in Mercedes-Benz Langley Oct. 4.
Funds raised at the 34th annual signature gala will help launch Langley’s first Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, a supportive space where children and youth can report abuse and heal in an environment built on privacy and respect.
Presented by Mike and Leanne Laurin, the event combines the excitement of Formula One racing with the spirit of community philanthropy. Guests will enjoy a Formula One-inspired bar with custom bar menu, three-course Mediterranean-inspired dinner and custom candy station. In addition to live and silent auctions and a trip raffle for two to anywhere WestJet flies, entertainment will include music from DJ Lucas Pardy and live aerialist performances by Blink Acro.
“This evening is more than a fundraiser. It’s about bringing our donor community together and joining the Foundation’s community partners to build a haven for children who have endured the unthinkable,” says Foundation Executive Director Heather Scott.
In BC, one in three children experiences some form of abuse, however, of the more than 22,000 potential victims in the Langley community, only about 2,000 report their abuse. Even fewer receive the care and support they need, but the team behind Langley’s CYAC aims to change that.
Overseen by Langley-based Encompass Support Services Society, the CYAC closes a critical gap in local services. Using a “Circle of Care” approach, the centre brings together professionals such as family development workers, RCMP liaisons and Indigenous counsellors to support each child’s unique needs.
The approach allows the young person to share their story just once, in a safe setting, while professionals gather the information they need to investigate and provide ongoing care.
“Every child deserves to be heard, believed and supported,” Scott says. “With the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, we’re creating a place where that can finally happen in Langley.”
Purchase your DRIVE Gala tickets today
Last year’s Electric Gala brought together 344 guests who helped raise more than $315,000 to support advanced imaging equipment for Langley Memorial Hospital’s medical teams.
Tickets for DRIVE are on sale now, with tables of eight and individual seats available at LCHHFoundation.com/DRIVE. The first 88 single tickets are $300 each; once sold, tickets will be $325. Tables of eight are available at $2,400.
Learn more about the campaign at LCHHFoundation.com/drive and purchase tickets here!