BY KARIN PICHE
Wheelin’ Warriors of the North
On Saturday, May 27, 2023 Wheelin’ Warriors of the North held it’s first in-person Annual Gala since 2019. The event took place at the Prince George Civic Centre, and I am thrilled to announce that it was a HUGE success (raising more than $100,000).
The energy in the room was electrifying as guests enjoyed coming together, for the first time since before the pandemic, to support the BC Cancer Foundation. Laughs, hugs, tears and smiles were exchanged throughout the night and reminded us of how lucky we are to have been able to hold this event.
The Gala featured an informative and inspirational program, a speech by Lindsay Carswell, Senior Director of the Tour de Cure British Columbia, and a touching tribute to the team and it’s team founder and captain, Karin Piche, from our former Mayor, Lyn Hall. Gillian Roberts, a cancer fighter and three year participant of the Tour de Cure, shared her inspiring and courageous journey with cancer, her moving story was told with honesty and deep emotion, and we were so grateful to have her there. The speeches then wrapped up with a special guest performance by two-time cancer survivor, Steve Baker. David Mothus was our extraordinary and fabulous MC for the evening.
A huge shout out to our Presenting Sponsor, Anita and Selen Alpay of Canadian Tire, who have been presenting sponsors of our Annual FREE WHEELIN’ Dinner & Dance for many years, we were thrilled to welcome back such amazing community supporters to our 2023 Spring Gala! Davis Rodrigues of Accelerated Sport and Spine Physiotherapy, Dean Rolufs of CIBC Wood Gundy, Treasure Cove Casino, Geotech Drilling Services Ltd, Focal Point Studios, David Mothus – Advisor, Sun Life, were also amongst our dedicated returning supporters. Additional sponsors included Richard and Sarah Schleich, Nina and Wade R Young, Wilson M Beck, Rolling Mix, Canadian Institute of Mining: BC South Central Interior Branch, Russell Audio-Visual, Heidi Martel of Settings Event Design and Chasse Designs. We would like to thank all of our event sponsors, your generosity knows no bounds! We are so extremely grateful for your support. Thanks to all of you, the Wheelin’ Warriors of the North Spring Gala raised a record breaking $100,000! How INCREDIBLE is that!!
The Gala featured a Live Auction, a Silent Auction, both with a vast variety of unique items, a Texas Mickey Draw, a decadent and creative Dessert Auction, and a 50/50 Draw. The Gala also consisted of an amazing venue, a wonderful buffet of food and great music!!
A special thank you goes out to Anita Amaral, team lead for the silent & dessert auction, Sue McAllister, team treasurer, Quentin and Manon Gordon, team leads for the 50/50 draws, Dr. Laura Brough of the YMCA BC – Northern BC for being our indoor training instructor this past Winter/Spring, Stefanie Hencheroff for well, just believing and her unwavering continued support, Scott McWalter for arranging a video of our Presenting Sponsor, Ron Gallo for introducing some of our guest speakers to the stage, organizing our outdoor ‘Signature’ training rides and so much more! Thank you to all of the Wheelin’ Warriors of th North team members and other members of our community who’s significant contributions made this event a phenomenal success! Without YOU, none of this would be possible!
Thank you to all those who attended the gala and supported us through donations, sponsorships, auction items, and more. TOGETHER, united as ONE team, Wheelin’ Warriors of the North, all of our donors, loved ones, friends and family, all driven by the common goal, to power cancer research, WE DID IT!! Thanks to you, our fundraising dollars are providing new discoveries and improving patient outcomes that are having a real impact in our community, thoughout the province, across Canada and around the world! Thank you for your support, your strength and motivation. You are all truly amazing people, doing an amazing thing.
The proceeds from this event will directly benefit BC Cancer – Prince George. We look forward to seeing you again in 2024!