A one-of-a-kind Stay-at-Home Gala evening event will unite people from across the nation with the aim to strengthen community efforts that manage the effects of the COVID-19 virus, with the aim to raise funds for the Prince George Community Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund.
Social distancing at its finest, the virtual gala will join hundreds of Canadians across the country, and will host all the familiar elements of a gala: both national renowned as well as local game-changing speakers, entertainers, musicians, optional dinner delivered to your door, and much more.
“COVID-19 is challenging many of our community’s norms, but there is one that it won’t ever change and that is our community’s generosity and will to help one another,” said Mindy Stroet, Director of Development for the Foundation. “The PGCF is proud to join this national initiative to help raise funds for Prince George while supporting local and providing an evening of entertainment. We hope this event will help strengthen community during these challenging times.”
More than 20 communities across the country are participating in this first-ever virtual gala event. Several notable Canadians will engage the online audience, including Erin Cebula as host, Andre Picard – health writer and columnist with the Globe and Mail, and two-time Juno award winning performer, Tanika Charles, among others.
Catherine Hansen and Kyle Sampson are the local hosts, introducing guest speakers and performers such as Will Stroet of Will’s Jams – Juno-nominated CBC Kids performer, folk musician Amy Blanding, Americana band The Statistics and actress Grace Dove, among others.
COVID-19 is dramatically affecting the way we live, but it isn’t changing who we are. Whenever our community members struggle, we rally to support one another. We rally to showcase our strength as both a community and a country, and we rally to raise funds for those in need. The Prince George Community Foundation will direct 100 per cent of proceeds of local funds raised to support those most impacted by COVID-19 and local charities.
The Stay-at-Home Gala will be hosted online May 2 from 5-7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at www.trellis.org/stay-at-home-gala-prince-george. Attendees will receive a link to log on to the virtual gala after purchasing their ticket.