In Calgary, the morning of June 9, 2016 arrived with blue skies and the chirping sounds of birds around the Glencoe Club. The Club was host to the 3rd Annual Spirit of Chrysalis Gala Breakfast in Calgary.
The Spirit of Chrysalis is the awareness and fundraising program we use to create new relationships within the communities in which the individuals live. Through these relationships we are able to raise funds that assist in programs and services offered to the individuals through Chrysalis. Having run for some years already with regular monthly Information Sessions, the program has helped increase public awareness of our organization and, at the same time, develop a tremendous support system of donors, volunteers, and dedicated staff.
After a hiatus of a year, it was time to host another Gala Breakfast event in Calgary. Thanks to the support of Douglas Robertson LLP, we were ahead by $1,000 already as we headed into the morning event. 70 people woke up extra early to join us at the Glencoe for the 7:30 (sharp) start. As always, our promise is that our program would be complete by 8:30 in order for our guests to be able to reach their respective places of work shortly after.
The Gala Breakfast featured a variety of heartfelt speeches detailing the difference that Chrysalis has made to those whom we service and the community as a whole. Chrysalis Charitable Foundation Board member Robert Baldauf, Chrysalis CEO Lynn Groves Hautmann, and parents John Van Sloten and Subah Sadiq all described in different ways how Chrysalis has impacted their lives and the lives of those around them.
Lindisfarne Productions’ Fred Keating was our expert MC once again, and he entertained the guests in between the speeches and had a watchful eye on the time. Lindisfarne had earlier produced the video shown at the breakfast which showcased the strengths of Chrysalis and the will and determination of people with disabilities accessing our services.
As the hour was coming to a close, Charitable Foundation Board member Andrew Lamb relayed the importance of community support to ensure Chrysalis can continue to provide the high level of personalized services that assist the individuals to live full and meaningful lives. Thanks to the generosity of those who were present the event raised over $6,000!
More importantly, Chrysalis gained some new friends whom we hope will spread the word about the work we do.
A very special thanks to all those who played vital roles in making this event happen and a MASSIVE thank you to those who attended and lent their support to Chrysalis.
