Gala attracts crowd

United Way event raising money to combat child poverty

One year after raising $240,000 to help battle child poverty, United Way Cape Breton has sold-out its second annual winter gala.

The event takes place at Centre 200 in Sydney on Saturday with more than 90 business owners, community leaders and residents coming together to help raise money to reduce child poverty.

This year there will be an additional 20 tables to address the demand for tickets, said executive director Lynne McCarron.

“With the addition of the tables we were able to sell 900 seats instead of 600. We want to do more than last year and this helps the cause.”

An additional fundraiser will be an auction held during the gala. Items being auctioned include a deluxe lawn mower from Cub Cadet as well as an estate tractor from Kubota Canada. A silent auction is also planned.

“We are overwhelmed by the support of our community, coming together to raise funds to support programs that are helping reduce child poverty in Cape Breton,” said McCarron.

“A strong volunteer committee, the amount of sponsors coming back and new sponsors coming on board and the outpouring of business and community members purchasing tables and tickets, is the reason this event will be a success.”

There was no official fundraising goal set this year, however McCarron hopes to pass last year’s mark.

“To surpass our number last year would be great. It would just show how much this event is growing.”

“I think with the growth we’ve had in the event, it’s a true testament to how much fun the event really is. The community has really come together to support the event.”

Those without a ticket who would like to help battle child poverty can make donations through the United Way website or at the United Way office.