Riding High at the 12th Annual Grand Prix Gala


Riding High at 12th Annual Grand Prix Gala

With the world-famous Thunderbird Show park as our gala site and an international equestrian jumping competition going on inches away from the sun-drenched patio, 300 guests oohed, aahed and gasped their way through a luxurious Sunday afternoon.
The Grand Prix Gala is like no other fundraising event. At times upon entering the venue, I catch myself wondering if there can be such a thing as too much magnificence in a single place. First there is the stunning backdrop – acres of emerald green tract, punctuated with a series of obstacles. White fences, dazzling in the sunlight, troughs of shimmering, crystal clear water and redolent and colourful flowers blowing in the breeze. Then there are the horses. Stallions and mares of stunning stature and defined musculature prancing, galloping, leaping and crunching full force onto the grassy sod. You can hear the grunts and groans of exertion. Lithe and splendidly attired riders peer from beneath their caps with a laser focus. The pageantry, the elegance, the athleticism combine to take one’s breath away.

And if that is not enough, cast your eyes onto the patio, where 300 guests are provided with a front-row view of the spectacle. Dressed to thrill in rural chic, men and women mix and mingle and show off their latest millenary masterpieces. In between jumps they partake in aperitivo time, that easy stretch of sipping on award-winning wines and craft beers and snacking on hors d’oeurvres, good salty cheese from local farms, bread, olives, fresh, farm-picked tomatoes and an array of elegantly-crafted desserts made to order by chefs in training from the Langley School District.

But it doesn’t end there. Tables topped with an arresting array of items define the Foundation’s famous silent auction! Offering everything from exquisite pearl and diamond earrings, to nights out at the opera, symphony or Giants game; and from paddle boarding in Tofino to river rafting in Chilliwack, the silent auction appeals to even the most discerning shopper. And if you have the derring-do, purchase a ticket to win a set of diamond earrings or participate in the Calcutta. See what I mean by too much magnificence!! I’m exhausted.

Do the Ends Justify the Means?
A resounding YES! Even though the Grand Prix Gala is magnificent in the extreme, it is still a down-to-earth fundraiser with, thanks especially to Thunderbird Show Park, very low overhead. Raising more than $60,000, the event allows the Foundation to continue its support of the Food for Thought Campaign and the Youth Homelessness Initiative.

Food for Thought
When the Foundation first became aware of the fact that 3000 students were coming to school hungry every day, the problem seemed overwhelming. But armed with the irrefutable knowledge that children cannot learn on an empty stomach, the Foundation rallied its resources, called on its community partners and set about to provide healthy meals for hungry students. Now, in just three years since the inception of the Food for Thought Campaign 16 schools offer nutritious breakfasts to more than 1600 students. Snacks are delivered every two weeks to an additional nine schools and more than 150 families receive backpacks filled with food every Friday. But there are many more hungry students out there and many more schools who need to start up meal programs.

Homelessness Initiative
Imagine, if you can – being homeless at 15 years of age. You left your home in a fit of rage, or because you were scared of your parents or because there was no other choice. Whatever the reason – you are a child, suddenly cast into a scary scenario that could govern your life for years to come. It’s cold, rainy and dark. There is nowhere to go. No one to turn to. You are immersed in a strange and frightening reality and because you are only 15 you do not have the experience, life skills or wherewithal to cope. You need help.

Finally, thanks to the efforts of community organizations such as Encompass Support Services, the Township of Langley, the Provincial Government and most importantly Langley School District students who went to bat for their less-fortunate friends, the Youth Housing Resource is now being built and will offer a safe refuge for homeless teenagers. Of course, much funding is required to provide the services, food and lodging for the 170 homeless students in Langley. There is much more to do.

If you would like to volunteer or donate to the Food for Thought Campaign or the Homeless Initiative, please go to www.langleyschooldistrictfoundation.com or call 604-532-1464. scairns@sd35.bc.ca

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