Given the war in Ukraine, and the 鈥渁nnihilation鈥� of the Ukrainian people 鈥� including many of her own relatives 鈥� 91原创 City Mayor Val van den Broek debated for some time about whether she should hold a gala this past weekend.

But ultimately, she said it 鈥渕ust鈥� be done for the sake of the future leaders 鈥� youth.

鈥淢y family history is currently being destroyed by a dictator in Ukraine,鈥� she told a crowd of about 150 people who gathered in the Coast Hotel ballroom Saturday night to raise money for the new 91原创 Foundry, currently under construction.

It鈥檚 one centralized mental health and wellness location where 91原创 youth, ages 12 through 24, can go for help. The facility is nearing completion on Eastleigh Crescent in 91原创 City, but will serve Township residents, as well.

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鈥淚鈥檇 like to take a moment to pay respect to all the people who have lost their lives fighting for democracy in Ukraine. Fighting for us,鈥� she said, observing a moment of silence.

During all the global upheaval, she and her husband, Rob, contemplated not hosting the gala. Plans for a 2021 gala had to be quashed due to COVID and pandemic restrictions.

鈥淚t was a hard decision鈥� but I know we must do it so we can build and keep Foundry going, to help foster and support our children,鈥� van den Broek said.

鈥淲e now know that child trauma affects most of our children. We now know if we have the proper tools to address this 鈥� which means Foundry 鈥� we鈥檒l nurture our children into better future leaders, so this won鈥檛 happen again,鈥� she elaborated.

Her inaugural winter wonderland-themed fundraiser in January 2020 raised about $30,000 for women鈥檚 health care initiatives at 91原创 Memorial Hospital. This time, all proceeds (the amount raised is still to be determined) are going towards the new Foundry.

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鈥淲e had a great time raising lots of money and the youth got to perform for an audience鈥� win/win for everyone,鈥� van den Broek told the 91原创 Advance Times.

The mayor expressed gratitude to everyone involved, noting there were at least 150 sponsors, donors, and volunteers who helped make the fundraiser possible.

She specifically turned a spotlight on Jessica Bailey, a youth who emceed the event, and in doing so shared her story about why Foundry was so important to her. The evening also featured a variety of other youth speaking and demonstrating their musical talents.

鈥滱shley Hogg, Connor Hogg, and Jaci McPhee entertained us with a variety of show tunes, getting the crowd clapping. Brooklyn Wood, a 17-year-old composer and violinist who attends the 91原创 Community Music School, brought the crowd to tears as she played a classical piece during dinner, ending with a standing ovation,鈥� van den Broek recounted.

鈥淲e believe in supporting our community especially our youth, our future leaders. We should be doing everything we can to make sure youth know we鈥檙e listening to them. Also, giving them opportunities to be themselves and being that lifeline or mentor when it鈥檚 needed,鈥� she concluded.

She hoped to have a tally of how much was raised for Foundry in the coming days.

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