An unprecedented $70,000 was raised at the 10th annual Langley School District Foundation’s Grand Prix gala held on Sunday.
Under beautiful blue skies, hundreds of supporters, many donned in their best big hats, took in a world-class horse jumping competition, sipped on the best wines from 11 different wineries and nibbled on delicious food offered all day at Thunderbird Show Park.
“It was an amazing day. We had a full house, with 250 guests,” said Foundation executive director Susan Cairns.
The show jumping saw the best of the best from around North America compete in the qualifying round, said Cairns.
The amazing cupcakes, some shaped like Granny Smith apples, others with vegetables displayed, were made by board member Lianna Valentine.
“It’s a hobby of hers, and they were a big hit,” she said.
The winner of diamond earrings is Kim Kruger. Her husband bought lucky ticket #36, based on how many years they have been married.
The money raised from this year’s gala will go to help feed the 3,000 Langley students who come to school hungry every day, said Cairns.
“It’s hard to believe but it’s true,” she said. “Principals were calling me asking me to raise funds for our kids who are hungry. I started looking into it and an estimated 3,000 students come to school without breakfast and have no packed lunch.”
The program is called Food for Thought with the focus on providing breakfast, lunch and snack for these students in need.
The cost will be around $300,000 per year, said Cairns.
“We are getting there towards our goal. But there is no way a kid can learn on an empty stomach.”