Gala raises $100K for York Region Abuse Program

Aurora Banner
May 7, 2014
By Brea Bartholet

This year’s Hand-in-Hand Gala, in support of the York Region Abuse Program, was a smashing success, raising more than $100,000 for the York Region Abuse Program.

About 304 guests enjoyed the annual black-tie event Saturday at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham that featured a night of live music by Leah Daniels, a live and silent auction, raffle draws and much more, all in support of the program and its continued efforts to service those in need.

In an effort to raise awareness of the organization, a unique addition was added this year.

An 11-by-13-foot, 4,500-pound Reaching Out child abuse monument, a sculpture designed by psychotherapist and artist Dr. Michael Irving of Toronto, stood at the main entrance as a symbol of healing and support.

Built during a seven-year period beginning in 1995 by Mr. Irving and numerous professional sculptors, the monument is made up of 300 hand-sculpted squares designed by survivors and supporters he met during the process.

“There are a lot of war monuments that help people deal with the aftermath. I felt child abuse should have something along the same lines,” Mr. Irving said. “This was not only going to heal child abuse survivors, but the community as well.”

A team from Stadia Glass & Door, with guidance from owner Tim Byrne, generously moved the monument to the event.

“A job that would usually take four hours took us about 11 because of the rain,” Mr. Byrne said. “But we got it here and it looks great sitting out front. That’s all that matters. It’s for such a great cause.”

Another of the unique qualities to this year’s event comes in the form of stuffed fluff.

According to York Region Media Group’s Anne Beswick, each child that uses YRAP services receives a teddy bear.

In a shining example of just how supportive the community is, 192 knitters, ranging in age from 11 to 95, donated more than 1,500 hand-knit bears - the result of a quarter page ad in York Region newspapers asking knitters to donate.

Guests at the gala were able to buy two bears for $100 - one to go toward a child in need, the other for the guest to have as a keepsake.

More than $8,000 was raised through the sale of bears.

Ms Beswick says the entire experience has had quite a profound effect on her life.

“It’s been fairly emotional, especially since I was unsure of what the program was when I was asked to be chairperson of this year’s gala,” she said. “I’m ecstatic to see we’ve raised the profile of the organization and made it much more recognized throughout the community.”

Award-winning CBC TV news anchor Suhana Meharchand emceed the evening.

Special guests included Dr. Irving and wife Cheryl and York Region native Elvis Stojko, who is a three-time world figure skating champion, two-time Olympic silver medallist and seven-time Canadian champion.