Local Charity Hosts Over 260 Business, Civic, and Community Leaders to Celebrate All Things Canadian at the Pearls n’ Plaid Gala, Raising Essential Funds for Medically Fragile Children in our Community.
Presented by TD, the 19th Annual Comfort & Joy Gala Benefitting The Darling Home for Kids Raised $150,000.

Milton, ON – Proudly presented by TD, the Pearls n’ Plaid 19th Annual Comfort & Joy Gala, was held on Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 at Milton’s Country Heritage Park and raised an incredible $150,000 to help medically complex children in our community! The gala event drew an impressive crowd of over 260 business, civic, and community leaders who came together to celebrate Canada’s unique identity. Guests participated in various activities throughout the evening that weaved together all aspects of Canadian heritage, from our culturally diverse populations and breathtaking landmarks, to the symbols that define us, and our Canadian pride.

Guests were greeted with bagpipes and a red carpet that led into the beautiful historic Gambrel Barn, and the evening began with a VIP Reception hosted by Elaine Blaylock, Chair of the Board of Directors. The night continued with a ‘Scotch on the Rockies’ cocktail reception, followed by a moving opening performance by the Milton Show Choir who sang our National anthem from the balcony of the barn while a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police saluted the flag on the stage.

Throughout the evening guests enjoyed live music by The Doubts and had a chance to “Kiss the Moose” in the photo booth. One highlight of the evening was when one lucky winner took home the grand prize for a Magic Maple draw – 2 roundtrip tickets to any Canadian destination, courtesy of the Air Canada Foundation. A gourmet meal featuring Canadian inspired cuisine was catered by Catch Hospitality, and a Wine and Spirits Tower had another lucky guest leaving with 50 bottles of Canadian wines and spirits! The annual Raffle at the event raised almost $10,000 to support therapeutic programs at The Darling Home for Kids over the next year, with the grand prize winner taking home a $5,000 gift certificate to Knar Jewellery.

Auctioneer Frances Fripp was a hit during the energetic live auction portion of the evening as guests were eager to raise their paddles for their chance to win some amazing items, one of which included a romantic getaway for two to Turks & Caicos. The silent auction was also a buzz all evening and rounded out the festivities with over 150 items up for bid. There was something for everyone and guests were all smiles as they collected their winning items at the end of the evening.

All of the proceeds from the Pearls n’ Plaid Gala directly support The Darling Home for Kids, and to date this annual black-tie event has raised over $2.75M for this local children’s charity.
“Our Comfort & Joy Gala is our single largest fundraising event of the year,” said Kristin Horrell, Executive Director for The Darling Home for Kids. “Without it, we could not continue providing essential programs and services in the community. We are thankful to our presenting sponsor TD, and all of our donors, guests and special friends who have shared in this special Pearls n’ Plaid evening, celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday and raising valuable funds that will make a difference for our children and families.”

About The Darling Home for Kids:
The Darling Home for Kids is a place of joy, filled with the smiles and laughter of children engaging in unique and enriching experiences. Located in Milton, and serving Ontario. we are a state of the art facility providing respite, hospice palliative and residential care for children who are medically fragile and technology dependent through therapeutic programs and services devoted to improving their health and well-being.
www.darlinghomeforkids.ca

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