Mamas for Mamas’ fifth annual gala over the weekend was the charity’s most successful fundraiser to date.
The Okanagan Golf Club hosted the gala on Nov. 2 in a theme of the Great Gatsby era with flowing bubbly, cigars, a spirits lounge and a show-stopping burlesque performance.
Waltzing past supercars on the studded red carpet, 240 guests arrived in force to party for a charitable purpose at the sold-out show.
Mamas for Mamas is a national charitable organization that supports mothers and caregivers in crisis by providing ongoing support to individuals and families facing poverty-related struggles.
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Through sponsorships, an online and a live auction, Mamas for Mamas smashed its goal of $250,000 and raised $300,000 this year.
Founder and CEO of Mamas for Mamas Shannon Christiensen captured the crowd with her speech at the gala stating the importance of combating poverty.
“Poverty isn’t their issue. Poverty is our issue. It is everyone’s issue. Poverty affects us economically, socially, personally and politically,” she said.
“The truth is we just can’t afford to ignore the impact poverty has on our neighbours, and on our community as a whole. One in five children live in absolute poverty right here in Kelowna. We can do better.”
Funds raised from the evening will support The Mamas At-Risk program.
This resource and specialized relief program has already served more than 6,000 families in 2019, up from 3,998 in 2018.
This rapidly growing program supports mothers, fathers, and families in crisis who are facing homelessness, hunger and poverty-related issues and the need is continuing to grow.
