Mayor Dave Augustyn’s Column for week of 29 May 2017
Because of the generosity of sponsors, donors, and participants, the sold-out Ninth Annual Pelham
Mayor’s Gala netted $23,600 for four worthy charities and groups!
This past Saturday, community volunteers hosted the “Sail the Seven Seas” themed gala at Lookout Point
Golf & Country Club.
The Gala showcased great music (thanks to Notre Dame Jazz Combo), exquisite food (thanks to Chef
Abby), an amazing live auction (thanks to generous donors), and time to mingle and catch-up with other
“passengers.” And, with Ross Macfarlane as emcee and Kevin Jacobi as the nautical quizmaster, the
event was a “swashbuckling” great time!
Yet, these festivities supported the work of four local groups.
Horse Cents for Kids provides access to horses and the therapeutic and life enhancing attributes for
children 5-18 years old, regardless of their financial circumstances. With the support of the community,
the Gala will donate $5,000 to give children from less fortunate families – but who love horses – the
opportunity to attend the summer riding program or the Wild West Summer camp. In addition, Bayshore
Group generously offered to donate an additional $2,400 to Horse Cents during the Gala!
Niagara Nutrition Partners oversees more than 200 breakfast, snack, and lunch programs in 150 schools
throughout Niagara! Amazingly, they help more than 17,000 students each day to fulfill the simple
notion that if students eat right they learn right. Thanks to the Gala, NNP will receive $5,000 to support
the recently initiated nutrition program at EL Crossley High School.
OneFoundation for the Niagara Health System raises funds to acquire the equipment and technology
needed in all six of the Peninsula’s hospital sites to support a wide range of in-patient and out-patient
services. Since doctors and medical technicians use their eight-year-old ultrasound equipment 7-days a
week for emergency and in-patient exams, the Foundation identified they urgently need to purchase
replacement equipment for the Site in Welland. The Gala will donate $3,500 toward this ultrasound
equipment.
Pelham Minor Baseball Association provides organized youth baseball for Pelham residents aged 4-18.
Their dedicated volunteers offer the opportunity to learn the love of the game and the importance of
teamwork while players take part in healthy competition. Since 2017 registrations unexpectantly
increased by 36%, the Gala will donate $7,500 to help replace equipment that has reached end of its
useful life and also extra equipment needed to meet increased number of players.
Since 2009 and thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and attendees, the Pelham Mayor’s Gala
has raised more than a $250,000! These proceeds have supported more than 30 charities, not-for-profit
community organizations and service clubs that play a vital role in shaping and improving the Town of
Pelham.
You may contact Mayor Dave at mayordave@pelham.ca or read past columns at
www.pelhammayordave.blogspot.com .
