Hope for Tomorrow: 2023 Gala Fundraiser Recap
Our annual gala fundraiser took place this past Saturday, and the evening was unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who bought a raffle ticket, attended the event, bid on the silent auction, or donated. We greatly appreciate your support!
Stories
The highlights this year, as they are every year, were the stories shared by people who have participated in our programs. We had six speakers, and we thank them for their courage and eloquence as they shared how M2W2 staff, volunteers, and programs have helped them overcome challenges related to incarceration.
One speaker described the loneliness of prison and how a visit from M2W2 volunteers would bring smiles to people’s faces. “They made us feel like we were no longer alone,” he said.
Another speaker shared how our No One Leaves Alone (NOLA) program helps people reintegrate into the community after prison.
“When our willpower and stamina is being used up,” she said, “trying to cope and adapt and navigate our way through all these changes, there are times when we simply don’t have a lot left over to put toward rebuilding. It can be so draining. That’s where NOLA steps in.”
She also thanked donors and volunteers directly, saying, “You are doing the work of angels.”
Fundraiser Results
Including raffle tickets, silent auction, and donations, the event raised over $32,000 for M2W2. Thank you to everyone who took part! If you weren’t able to attend the event but still want to give, you can still donate online at m2w2.com/fundraiser.
Raffle
Allyson Johnson was the big winner of our Whistler Getaway raffle, taking home a three-night stay at the Fairmont Château Whistler and $300 in dining and gas gift cards. Congratulations, Allyson!
Silent Auction
Our silent auction was another success. We changed the format this year, making the event in-person only. Thank you to everyone who placed bids or donated an item.
We especially thank to the folks incarcerated at Fraser Valley Institution for Women and Kwìkwèxwelhp Healing Village for donating incredible hand-crafted items, including feather boxes, carved artwork, dreamcatchers, knitted blankets and toques, and much more.
Here’s a list of all our silent auction donors. Thank you!
Ban Chok Dee
Barley Merchant
BC Lions
Brad Brousson
Canadian Tire
Carl Durksen
Casa Del Sol
Curtis Tire
Dave Froese
Deb Woehler
E.J. Robyn
Eleni’s Greek Restaurant
The Farm Store
Fraserway RV
Hella and Klaus Beckmann
Henley’s Trading Post Abbotsford
House of James
Jack Dekens
Joe Paliotti
Kinfolk Realty
Long & McQuade Abbotsford
Mandarin Garden
Margaret deBoer
MSA Ford
Murray GM
Naresh Mankatala
PNE
RJ Anderson
Ruth Graham
Save-On-Foods
Siniša Elez
Teresa Spyksma
The Improv Centre
The Keg
Vancouver Canadians
Wiebo Maarhuis
Planning Committee
We also want to say thank you to the staff on our gala planning committee: Christian did a wonderful job as our host; Sandra organized décor and made the centrepieces; Luminita helped prepare the auction; and Allyson led the committee and coordinated the venue, catering, and more. Job well done!
