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The Once Upon a Time Gala raises over $185,000 to help feed local kids

The gala featured a storybook setting and included auctions, raffles and live music
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Guests arrived at the Once Upon a Time Gala in support of the Children's Foundation October 26 /Sam Coats photography

The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington is proud to announce that their annual Once Upon a Time Gala, presented by Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth of RBC Dominion Securities, raised a net total of over $185,000.

On Saturday, October 26th, 2024, over 270 guests stepped into an enchanting evening inspired by Beauty and the Beast at the Delta Hotel in Guelph. Attendees were transported into a storybook setting as they were greeted by Belle herself, listened to live music, and sipped champagne amidst decor that transformed the venue into a breathtaking escape.

View the whole Red Carpet Gallery from the Once Upon a Time Gala here.

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Guests arrived at the Once Upon a Time Gala in support of the Children's Foundation October 26 /Sam Coats photography

Gala host Sean Furfaro kept the magic alive throughout the night as guests bid on silent and live auction items and tried their luck in raffles for a chance to win exciting prizes. The Gala shone a spotlight on the critical work of addressing food security in our community, emphasizing the importance of ensuring local children and youth have access to nutritious food at school and at home.

Funds raised will support the Children’s Foundation’s mission to create brighter futures by meeting the essential needs of the most vulnerable young people in our region.

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Photo Courtesy of Alex Ly

“We know that food security is a real problem in our community,” shared Karyn Kirkwood, Executive Director at the Children’s Foundation in Guelph and Wellington. “5% of kids in our community are severely food insecure, which means that they may arrive at school with empty lunch bags and go home to empty cupboards. We are working hard to ensure that no child in our community goes without food through our newly rebranded and enhanced Keep Kids Fed program. Fundraising events like our Once Upon a Time Gala are critical in raising the funds to support this work.”

The event’s impactful ‘Fund a Happily Ever After’ portion of the evening raised over $100,000 in donations, thanks to a $50,000 matching donation made by The Michael and Carol Mueller Family Foundation. Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth has been partnered with the Children’s Foundation as the Presenting Sponsor of the Gala since 2019.

“As a team, one of our core values is to help create a brighter, healthier and happier future for the communities we serve,” explains Tom Schuett, Senior Portfolio Manager at Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth.

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Photo Courtesy of Alex Ly

“The Children’s Foundations food security mission resonates so strongly with our team, and we are proud to be supporters of the Foundation and the presenting sponsor of this amazing event.”

The Foundation thanks all their event partners and sponsors, recognizing their Presenting Sponsor, Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth of RBC Dominion Securities; Gold Sponsor, Delta Hotels; and Silver Sponsors, Crozier Consulting Engineers, and Barzotti Woodworking Limited.

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Photo Courtesy of Alex Ly

Mark your calendars for next year’s Once Upon a Time Gala, taking place on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Join the Children’s Foundation as they continue their mission to enhance the wellbeing of children and youth by connecting them to experiences and supports that contribute to their sense of belonging and help them to reach their full potential. 

To learn more about the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington visit www.childrensfoundation.org.