A CANADIAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE
Press Room
Gala for Whitby Abilities Centre raises $385,000
By: Melissa Mancini / Metroland
DURHAM -- A gala held to support the Abilities Centre did just that and more by raising $385,000 last week.
"The Abilities Centre 2008 Dream Gala was a huge success," said Jennifer Ayotte, the project's administrative director. "(Events like this) advocate for the facility and bring awareness to more people."
Gala organizers "were thrilled" to have Steven Fletcher, M.P., Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia as the guest speaker for the night, Ms. Ayotte said. Mr. Fletcher worked as an engineer in the mining industry until a car crash left him a quadriplegic. The same day that Mr. Fletcher attended the event federal cabinet posts were announced in Ottawa and he was appointed to be Minister of State for Democratic Reform.
His speech was "phenomenal" and showed Mr. Fletcher's great sense of humour, Ms. Ayotte said.
"He embodies what we are doing," she said. "He has had severe challenges and he has overcome them."
Politicians from all levels of government attended the gala including Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty, Whitby-Oshawa MP. Guests included business leaders, artists, athletes, entertainers and community members.
The past year has been filled with architect planning. The project is expected to go to tender in early 2009 and is slated to be completed in 2010, Ms. Ayotte said.
But preliminary programming has already begun. Funding from Scotiabank has allowed the Abilities Centre to start a social club for young adults with special needs. The group meets once a month in Whitby and goes on outings in the community. When the centre opens the meetings will be run from the new facility, Ms. Ayotte said.
The most important part of the project is its message, she said.
"It's about abilities not disabilities," Ms. Ayotte said.
Media inquiries:
ABILITIES CENTRE :
Jennifer Ayotte - Administrative Director 905-665-8500
