The view from the top level was spectacular. Gorgeous string lights adorned the ceiling of the Milton Banquet & Conference Centre. My heart expanded as I looked down upon a room full of women dressed in comfy black and white pj couture. Some women were there because they were curious and finally secured a ticket. Some were there for a ladies’ night out with their besties. Others were there for the ultimate networking opportunity.
There were some women volunteering their time and energy. Some women attended because of their own personal experience. There were a group of women there who held veteran status, attending since day one. Whatever the reason, all 350 women were present, ready and willing to play and embrace what was to unfold at the 8th Annual Black and White Pajama Party. Each woman made a choice to offer support in raising money for the Milton District Hospital Foundation, money that was now pixie dust, since the $75,000 partnership goal was reached in the first three years of the annual event. There’s a good night to be had when the mayor of the town, Gordon Krantz, kicks off the party in a blue hospital gown and a long-haired, dark brown wig! As a male exception to the invitation list, he really gave us a belly laugh. The other men in the community got to go home with 350 women by advertising on the swag bags. Ten committed, heart-centered, local women formed the Black and White Pj Party committee, planning for months with the Milton Banquet & Conference Centre.
Both partners had to ensure that the night was entertaining, while keeping the focus on the ultimate goal, to raise a heck of a lot of money! The Milton Banquet & Conference Centre offered hospitality and a varied, mouth-watering menu to accommodate everyone. The dinner, prepared by Chef Federico and staff, was truly palette pleasing. Foodies with a sweet tooth could really appreciate the crepes on the dessert table this year! The welcome sponsor was our local McDonalds. When doors opened, ladies were greeted with eye candy, a candy table sweetly sponsored by Team Gerritts. Mario Mule of Captured Memories Productions was there to capture the latest in pj trends and all the buzz.
An assortment of stuffed bears looking for new homes provided a unique opportunity for fundraising. The bears were collected over the years and sold out before dinner was served! Shopping lovers were in silent auction haven, with hundreds of items to choose from, generously donated by our community. In between sipping wine, also donated, and chatting up a storm, the ladies participated in games like “Boobs and Butts” and “What’s in Your Purse?”.
The Pack a Bag Foundation received 65 pairs of pajamas for women in need. Not-for-profit organizations that were interested got a free invite to advertise in the swag bags. Emcees Tamara Lopez and Margaret Saliba were pros in keeping things flowing smoothly right until the end. A few may say there was the exception of the winning bear scenario, which definitely created some unintentional excitement near the end. Although there were 350+ people there that night, sharing, engaging and experiencing the moment, there were hundreds of people actually there that night, donating, sponsoring and creating the moment. Every attendee, volunteer, sponsor, advertiser and partner made the event a success, in true Miltonian community style, raising an impressive $28, 453 for the hospital! We can heal the world with all the love in this town. LOVE is the most powerful medicine of all and nothing’s better than that love being sourced from where we live, right here, at HOME.
