Grand
By Andrew Terry Pasieka
SMJ MAGAZINE
at the A GRAND NIGHT AT THE EMBASSY GRAND
Fourth Annual Rays of Hope Gala
Interim Place has been a fixture of hope in the Mississauga landscape since 1981, providing a safe house for over 40,000 women and children fleeing abusive and violent homes. And so it was that upwards of 200 guests representing the caring elite of the GTA paid $200 a plate to attend the fourth annual Rays of Hope Gala. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Fire And Ice,’ reflected in the décor of fiery reds and icy blues, and in the performance of a fire artist during the four-course meal. The goal of the gala was to raise $25,000 for the upgrading of kitchens and dining rooms in the safe houses by a combination of silent auction and live auction. The live auction proved to be an entertainment highlight in itself, centered on auctioneer extraordinaire Linda Leja, who bills herself as the Auctionista. She is described as a bold and innovative event revenue specialist who delivers intuitive live fundraising experiences. After witnessing her performance, we would have to add that she brings a particular comic bent to her show that keeps her audience engaged.
And it worked. In a little over twenty minutes, the certified BAS (Benefit Auctioneer Specialist) with the National Auctioneers’ Association raised $13,500, or 54% of the evening’s total. With an earlier pledge of $5000 and the 45 silent auction totals to be added later, the evening seemed certain to be a financial success. Having the Woman of Courage award winner Margaret Trudeau as the Keynote Speaker topped off the evening, and gave further credence as to why there are events such as these. In the words of Auctionista Leja, “philanthropy brings greater good to our world.”
SPRING 2016
33