| As part of the Spirit of Chrysalis fundraising strategy, each year Chrysalis Edmonton hosts the Annual Gala Fundraising Breakfast in early June. This year, the 5th Annual Gala Breakfast was held on June 6th at the Sutton Place Hotel in Downtown Edmonton.We knew going into the event that it was going to be a success as over $90,000 was raised before we sat down to eat. A group of nearly 300 guests woke up early to get to the Sutton Place and enjoy an hour of stories from many connect to Chrysalis.
After a rousing performance of “Go the Distance” by service individual Jennica Ferdynus, Foundation Board Chair, Mary Pat Barry, opened the program with a very emotional, heartfelt speech detailing community and what it means to her, and our individuals here at Chrysalis. After a short breakfast break, our President and CEO, Lynn Groves Hautmann, took the stage to detail the change in direction of both the Chrysalis service model and the “transformational changes” that the government has been preaching along with the funding cutbacks. The new Chrysalis video was then played, which can be viewed here, for the guests and two amazing testimonials on how Chrysalis has touched their lives were delivered by volunteer, Danielle Wylie and service individual, Nicole Chalifoux. Nicole, by the way, had to pause four different times during her speech for applause and received a standing ovation when she was finished! Towards the end of the program, Society Board Member, Garth Norris, took the stage to detail the proposed funding cuts, what it could mean to Chrysalis long term and how the people in the room could make a difference by considering a contribution to the organization. At the end of the one-hour program, many guests lingered in the Sutton Place Ballroom to chat further with staff, board, individuals and each other about the work of Chrysalis and how they may be able to learn or do more. I would expect to see some new faces around the building during some of our upcoming info session dates as people want to see more of the work we do. At the end of the day, the event was a massive success raising more than $175,000 in total funds, which is the highest amount we have raised to date during an annual Gala Breakfast! We cannot thank the contributors enough for their amazing generosity! Thanks to all who played a part in the success of the event! We will have pictures posted on our Facebook page once we have received them from our photographer. Can’t wait for next year! If you would like to help make a difference for those accessing Chrysalis services, please click the donate button on the home page and know that any contribution you make is going to play a major role in the quality of life for our service individuals!
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Chrysalis Society
An Alberta Society for Citizens with Disabilities
