It was another successful and sunny Grand Prix gala for the Langley School Foundation on Sunday, June 5 at Thunderbird Show Park.
Just over $70,000 was raised at the 11th annual event, which coincides with the international Nations Week Finale Grand Prix horse jumping competition.
"We are so appreciative for everyone's support. It was an amazing day," said Susan Cairns, school foundation executive director.
The silent auction raised $8,000 and the diamond earrings draw sold out, raising an additional $5,000.
Most of the funds raised will go to the foundation's Food For Thought program, which helps fund meals at Langley schools. More than 3,000 students in Langley arrive to school hungry every day, said Cairns.
"We are slowly getting toward our goal of making sure those 3,000 students are fed so they can reach their full potential," said Cairns.
Some of the money will go to the district's outdoor classroom programs that helps teach children where their food comes from by allowing them to grow their own food. Another portion of the funds will go to help students who are homeless, said Cairns.
The gala runs alongside Thunderbird's Grand Prix Nations Cup, where the world's top level horse jumpers compete next to the outdoor gala which was held under white tents.
"It's very intimate, the horses are jumping so close to the tables. It's quite thrilling," said Cairns.
Egypt's Nayel Nassar and his horse Lordan took top spot and the $129,500 purse. Canada's Brian Morton came in third and Canada's Amy Millar took top female rider title.
Two riders who competed, Eric Lemaze and Tiffany Foster, are hoping to represent Team Canada at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Cairns said there are many who volunteer to thank for giving their time or supplying items to the event free of charge, including the flowers on each table and the apple and flower designed cupcakes.
Picture: Langley's own Backyard Vineyards offered tastings of their wines as part of the 11th annual Grand Prix gala for the Langley School District Foundation on Sunday, June 5 at Thunderbird Show Park.