Hockley Valley Resort holds fundraiser for local charities

Written By JOSHUA SANTOS

Hockley Valley Resort held a Date Night themed event, raising $29,015 for local charities Bethell Hospice Foundation and Family Transition Place on Saturday, April 6.

The evening began with a cocktail reception as guests viewed the silent auction items donated by generous vendors. A four-course farm-to-table dinner followed, while guests enjoyed Spanish dancing by Caledon Dance Center. A jam-packed dance floor learned the smooth moves of the salsa with instructor David Valenzuela, IDTA, CDTA, ballroom and Latin dance instructor at Caledon Dance Center, and his subsequent dance contest saw the winners receive an overnight stay with breakfast at Hockley Valley Resort. The night offered many chances for guests to win something while keeping the fundraising efforts at the forefront, 50/50 and Heads or Tails contest, Silent Auction, and Mark Grice, Headwaters' local artist, painted a Spanish Dancers canvas during the course of the evening and was auctioned off with 50% of the proceeds to the charity. 

Norah Kennedy, executive director at Family Transition Place expressed her gratitude to Hockley Valley Resort about receiving funds from the event.

“Date Night was some of the most fun I've ever had at a fundraiser,” said Kennedy. The event was beautifully choreographed from beginning to end –great food, great company, fabulous silent auction capped off by terrific dancing performances and lessons. We are so grateful to Hockley Valley Resort for their ongoing friendship and support. 

“We are honoured to have shared the spotlight that night with Bethell Hospice, as the charities benefitting from this stellar evening out,” said Kennedy. “The funds raised at this event will help us ensure that those reaching out for help from any of our many services will continue to receive it – and will support our mission to educate about the importance of healthy relationships in the ongoing struggle to end violence against women. Thank you, Hockley Valley Resort.”

Jeannette Vanden Heuvel, executive director of Bethell Hospice Foundation discussed their relationship with the resort.

“Hockley Valley Resort has been a valued ally of Bethell Hospice Foundation for many years, and we are so pleased to have been a recipient of their generosity once again,” said Vanden Heuvel. “Dinner & Dancing Date Night was a great event, and it was clear how much the guests enjoyed themselves. Thank you to everyone at Hockley Valley Resort for believing in the importance of Bethell Hospice in our community. 

Ken Murray, general manager of Hockley Valley Resort was thrilled to raise more funds than they did last year. He said they try to change the theme up every year, and this year the attendees loved the theme. 

“We had couples, friends and tables of girlfriends all participating in the Date Night theme, it was great,” said Murrary. “We are proud to be handing over these much-needed funds to our two local charities, and we applaud them for what they do for our community.”