By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Brush off your boots, Caledon. 

Ticket sales have launched for Brightstart's annual fundraiser in September.

Brightstart began in 1987, and, since then, has supported tens of thousands of children, parents and caregivers, offering access to resources, referrals and early learning programs and workshops. 

For more than three decades, BrightStart Caledon has offered a welcoming and safe meeting place for the young families of Caledon.

Their space is a place to learn, grow and feel connected to the community. 

Shelly Ives, Community Engagement Manager for BrightStart, shared each year the organization has one primary fundraiser, plus a few smaller, more community-focused events sprinkled throughout the year.

The main fundraiser enables BrightStart to raise funds that help offset costs anywhere their traditional funding may fall short

Ives said it differs from year to year, but often that variance can be as much as $50,000 a year.

The money raised from the event supports free programs and services for local children and the community.

This year, they decided to embrace Caledon's rural roots with the annual Fundraiser theme.

The theme is “Warm Hearts and Boots,” with the added dress attire of “Canadian tuxedo (think dress denims)”

“We decided to embrace our rural roots a little bit and pick something that was more accessible,” said Ives. “You don't have to get all dolled up in an evening gown or a suit because the dress code is ‘just wear your denim tuxedo and your country tuxedo and come and join us and have a great time.'”

Offered at the event in line with this year's theme will be country line-dancing lessons by Cheat'in Hearts.

Ives said a big part behind choosing the theme was about embracing the community they're in.

She shared that this year, they were also trying to “break the mold” of a traditional gala.

“We've got little pockets of urban living, but we're such a rural community. It's really nice to be able to kind of give it a nod and do something that's fun and related to that,” said Ives.

Tickets for the event are $125 per person, with the option available to purchase a table or have your company sponsor a table.

The night will also feature gourmet barbecue, cash bar, a silent auction, prizes and more.

Be sure to purchase your tickets before September 16, as numbers are needed by that time.

The event will take place on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Glen Eagle Golf Club in Bolton. 

To purchase tickets, visit www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/BrightStart_Caledon_Family_Centre/events/warm-hearts-boots-fundraiser.

For anyone interested in signing up for sponsorships or supporting the silent auction, contact Ives at sives@brightstartcaledon.com.