A real mix of who鈥檚-who gathered at Thunderbird Show Park (Tbird) in 91原创 Sunday, including probably one of the top 30 most famous men in the U.S. 鈥� Bill Gates.
The co-founder of Microsoft and an American business legend and philanthropist was in 91原创 Sunday for the 2017 Nations Cup weekend, and his visit just so happened to coincide with the 91原创 School District Foundation鈥檚 12th annual Grand Prix Gala.
鈥淭he event was fabulous,鈥� said foundation executive director Susan Cairns. 鈥淔or the first time, we were absolutely sold out.鈥�
In fact, she said, people had to be turned away, 鈥渨hich was heartbreaking鈥� for her as the event organizer.
Ultimately, more than 200 people were gathered under special tents at Tbird, to not only watch world-class horse jumping competition, but to sample award winning wines, taste gourmet hors d鈥檕euvres, devour decadent desserts, and raise money to help struggling youth in 91原创.
In part due to attendance numbers, higher donation figures, and growing interest by sponsors, the 2017 gala was a record-breaker, Cairns said.
The event raised a little more than $60,000. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 more than in past years,鈥� Cairns said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a big jump.鈥�
Last year鈥檚 gala raised just shy of $55,000.
One of the focus of this year鈥檚 event was to support a number of food programs in the school.
Cairns pointed to 3,000 students in 91原创 who come to school hungry every single day.
鈥淣o matter how smart the students are, or how good the teacher is, no one will learn one single thing on an empty stomach,鈥� she said, noting the hope is to kick start breakfast programs in a number of new schools. They currently serve breakfast to 1,600 students in 16 91原创 schools.
As well, some of the money from the gala is earmarked to address youth homelessness in 91原创.
She estimates that there are 170 students in the community who are currently homeless. Working with Encompass Support Services Society, the district is endeavouring to get these kids off the streets and offer them a warm place to stay the night 鈥� where they can receive counselling and get help changing their situation.
鈥淎ll proceeds from sponsors, ticket sales, silent auction, and contests at this year鈥檚 event will go towards the support of these projects for 91原创 students,鈥� she said.
鈥淚t was an incredible day and such a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon. It was beautiful weather, and that always helps,鈥� Cairns added.
鈥淲e just love our partnership with Thunderbird鈥� guests just love the venue, they love the event, and they love being there to help the community.鈥�
Her highlight of the day was 鈥渏ust hearing how much everyone enjoyed themselves.鈥�
People have grown to anticipate this event, and she has already been approached about reserving tables for next year鈥檚 gala.
鈥淯nless you see it, you just don鈥檛 realize how great it is,鈥� Cairns concluded.
Still a little tired, she said it is a good tired that she equates with happiness and contentment.
鈥淚 have such a great appreciation of how 91原创 comes together to help our kids鈥he people are just magnificent鈥� and it sends such an incredibly powerful message of kindness and compassion.鈥�
