By Joanne Steventon
The Chateau Laurier ballroom was host to a fleet of generous bidders in bow ties and fancy gowns last Saturday night for the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund’s annual fundraising gala.
The evening raised a grand total of approximately $80,000, the equivalent of 2,500 snow suits.
“We had a target of $70,000. We sort of blew that out of the water,” said Krista Kealey, chairman of the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund.
During their four-course meal, guests made their way to bid at one of the two silent-auction tables covered with items donated by the community.
One of the more successful items was a road trip with the Ottawa Senators to New York City, which includes a trip with the team.
The original value of the trip was $1,600, but it went to the highest bidder for $3,600.
“The community was very generous,” said Kealey, referring to some of the sponsors who helped make the evening possible.
The most prominent donation came from the Canadian Tire Ottawa Dealers, who presented the fund with a cheque for $25,000, which Dave McClenahan, owner of the Coventry Road location, says came directly from the stores’ profits.
“We’re happy to be helping out such a great organization,” said McClenahan.
The Snowsuit Fund has been helping keep kids warm in the harsh Ottawa winters since 1981.
Joan Gullen, a founding member, was on a social services advisory committee at the time when he was approached by a concerned school board member and told that many children lacked proper winter clothing.
The committee received $15,000 from the regional government that year, which bought 600 snowsuits for children in need.
Gullen says that once the community was aware of the project, “the Snowsuit Fund took on a life of its own.”
Last winter, the fund provided around 14,000 snowsuits to children and hopes to exceed that total this year.
Parents pay $10 for a new suit but it is free if the suit is second-hand.
The fund’s annual fundraising drive began Monday.
The 320 people who attended the $150-a-plate gala helped to get the drive on its way.
Ticket sales and sponsorship donations raised the other half of the $80,000 grand total.
Among the guests was local radio host, ‘Mauler’ from 101 XFM.
Mauler, who spent 48 hours underwater this summer to raise money for cancer, said it was a pleasure to spend $150 for a chicken dinner and a good time to help children in need.
“I’ve never been to an auction that well organized with so many great things to bid on,” he said.
Mauler and his wife were the highest bidders on a limousine and dinner package they picked up for $160.
Kealey considers the fundraiser a success.
With a healthy dose of positive feedback and numerous pairs of sore feet shuffling out of the hotel after an evening full of dancing, she says people are already looking forward to next year’s event.
“It would have been nice to have sold all 350 tickets, but we know next year we will, it went that well,” said Kealey.