United Way Centraide SDG 2022 10th Annual Holiday Gala Raised $80,000

Karen and Ray Brunet presented with André Mailhot Award for 10 years of volunteering

United Way Centraide SDG (UWC SDG) is thrilled to announce that its 10th Annual Holiday Gala, presented by ZipGrow Inc. and hosted by Boom 101.9’s and Fresh Radio 104.5’s Bill Halman and Victoria Arsenault, raised $80,000 (net) for our local community, breaking records as the organization’s highest fundraising event total to date.

The sold-out milestone gala, chaired by Karen and Ray Brunet, took place at the Cornwall Golf & Country Club with just over 170 guests enjoying wine, gourmet food, and live music from The Chesterfields.

The night also recognized the 5000+ volunteer hours Karen and Ray gifted to UWC SDG for a decade. They were presented with the André Mailhot Award from United Way Centraide Canada, the highest honour in volunteerism across all United Ways nationally, to recognize just how exceptional their dedication to this annual fundraiser is and how it’s impacted our local community.

The Holiday Gala included its third annual online auction with over 40 items donated from local businesses along with an in-person live auction, together raising an impressive $25,000. A holiday raffle with a chance to win prizes such as wine for a year, beer for a year from FreshCo Cornwall, $500 cash prizes, and jewellery prizes from Pommier Jewellers also raised nearly $7000. Winners were announced at the event.

“During a time when we’re still challenged by the continued economic uncertainty from the pandemic, we were, yet again, blown away by how this community steps up to take care of each other. The generosity we saw leading up to and during the gala was truly special. We’re humbled to have broken records this year knowing how the increased cost of living has
impacted all of us financially. On behalf of our team, thank you for reminding us how caring this community is,” – said Juliette Labossière, Executive Director of UWC SDG.

UWC SDG thanks the Cornwall Golf & Country Club for being a wonderful partner in executing its gala for the second year and Midnight Confetti team who made the room sparkle. This event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of volunteers and the generosity of local businesses.

About United Way/Centraide Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry: The United Way of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry is governed by a local Board of Directors, who, with United Way staff and volunteers help to raise funds that assist agencies throughout Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry. Our mission is to improve lives by working together with priorities focused on moving people from poverty to possibility, healthy people, strong communities and all that kids can be. For more information on United Way/Centraide SD&G, or to donate, visit unitedwaysdg.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Together, we are possibility.