United Way Centraide SDG to host 10th Annual Holiday Gala on November 26

The United Way Centraide Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (UWC SDG) is excited to announce that it’s hosting the 10th year of its signature Holiday Gala, the Wine & Gourmet Tastings, on Saturday, November 26 at the Cornwall Golf & Country Club. This year’s event is presented by ZipGrow Inc., an international leader in indoor vertical farming technology.

“As a company whose mission supports food security, we understand the importance and value of tackling social issues at a local level.” Said Eric Lang, President of ZipGrow Inc. “The community of Cornwall and SD&G has always been a big support to us, and we are honoured to give back with a contribution to United Way Centraide SDG that will directly benefit residents in need.”

In 2021, the hybrid in-person and at-home fundraiser raised over $60,000 and in 10 years, this annual event has raised an impressive $450,000 in total for the community. The UWC SDG aims to raise at least $50,000 this year to achieve $500,000 in a decade.

All money raised from the Holiday Gala stays local and supports United Way Centraide SDG’s critical work in poverty reduction while also helping it invest in 15 local agencies and 18 programs that are tackling the complex issue of poverty on several fronts, including food security, mental health, and education.

Karen and Ray Brunet, event chairs for the Holiday Gala, are leading it again for the 10th year. In June, the UWC SDG announced that the pair had won the André Mailhot Award, United Way Centraide Canada’s highest honour for volunteeeting for the decade of work they have put into this gala.

“We could never have sustained an event of this size if not for the vision, leadership and passion from Karen and Ray who have gifted us with 10 years. That includes hundreds of hours of free work planning the gala while also helping us educate the community on our mission without wanting an ounce of recognition for it. They even pushed us to be creative and find new ways to host this event during the pandemic where we raised nearly $100,000 during two of the hardest fundraising years for charities. I can’t put into words the gratitude I feel for everything they have done for us. This year’s gala is not only an effort to raise money but also a celebration of the decade of work they’ve put into it as volunteers.” Said Juliette Labossière, Executive Director for the United Way Centraide SDG.

The Holiday Gala, already over 90% sold through sponsorships, will be a much more intimate event at the Cornwall Golf & Country Club. The night will include the gourmet food, top-shelf libations, entertainment, and live auction that have made it the most anticipated holiday party for 10 years in our community. Surrounding the event, there will also be a raffle for a chance to win wine for a year, beer for a year and other exciting prizes along with an online auction open to everyone in the community to support.

A very limited number of tickets are now on sale. Visit the event page to learn more: https://www.uwholidaygala.com/

For more information contact: please contact Stephanie Lapointe, Campaign & Communications Coordinator, at st*******@un**********.com or 613-932-2051 ext 21.