Call it a superheroic effort.
The superhero-themed Sources Super Gala – a fundraiser for Sources Community Resources Foundation held April 9 at Hazelmere Golf and Tennis Club – soared to unprecedented heights, raising more than $175,000.
"We're still tallying all the results but it looks like it'll be closer to $180,000," a delighted David Young, Sources CEO, told Peace Arch News Thursday.
That's more than double the total raised at last year's gala – $87,000 – in Sources' major annual fundraising push to benefit programs for children and families, poverty relief and community support throughout Surrey, White Rock, Langley and Delta.
He added that Sources fundraising target of $100,000 for the gala was exceeded a week before the event – leading to a new goal of $150,000 which was surpassed before the night of the event was through.
"We were at 212 seats, with a wait list," Young said. "I think next year we'll try to squeeze in another two or three tables – which is not a bad situation to be in at all."
Young paid tribute to the "energy and enthusiasm" of gala chair Michael Stuart in making the event such a success, along with an influx of new sponsors joining loyal long-term supporters of the event.
"We're very blessed in this community to get the kind of support we do from individuals and businesses – and I think a lot of my colleagues in other agencies would agree with me," Young said.
Young estimated that half of gala guests – some of them in garb that would raise nary an eyebrow in Gotham City, Metropolis or on the planet Krypton – were new faces at the fundraiser, which was co-presented by sponsor Scotiabank with help from volunteer bank and Sources staff.
"People always tell me they have fun at our events," he said, adding that the contributions of Peninsula Productions actors, who greeted guests outside the doors, helped get everyone into the comic book superhero atmosphere.
Adding to the fun quotient for diners were games, dancing and $40,000 worth of live and silent auction items.
The evening was MCed by the BC Lions' Marco Ianuzzi, with live auction conducted by Stuart McFadden.
South Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg presented broadcaster Mark Madryga with the first-ever Sources Community Hero Award, while the overall take of the event was boosted by a new platinum sponsorship level ($10,000) met by four businesses – B&B Contracting Group, Forge Properties, Newmark Group/Sagewbrush Golf Course and Baybridge/PrimeTime Living.
"This new level certainly helped make a difference in terms of ticket purchases and overall proceeds," Young said.
