For the fourth year, the YWCA of Calgary encouraged Calgarians to support the city’s most vulnerable women through its annual YWCA WHYWHISPER Fundraising Gala.  The gala was held on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.

The YWCA WHYWHISPER Fundraising Gala raises funds to support emergency shelter, housing, counselling and skills development programs we offer women and their families.

The evening began with a VIP reception held in a beautifully lit room adorned with floral art.  VIPs included presenting sponsor Enbridge Inc., VIP reception sponsor ATB Financial as well as many other silver sponsors.

After an hour of visiting, raffle ticket purchasing and considering the live auction items, more than 740 guests took their seats for dinner.  Following a delicious meal, a heartwarming interview between former City TV Breakfast Television host Dave Kelly and a YWCA client, Lynette, brought the room to tears.

The interview was one of the many highlights and Lynette showed strength and resilience as she shared her story with Dave, who said after the event that, “sharing that moment with (Lynette) was hugely moving”.

The next day, Lynette shared her thoughts and emotions by noting, “as I lay in bed, not being able to sleep, my mind rewinding the events of the evening, all I can think is that I could not be prouder of myself and how beautiful the room looked as I opened my soul to the crowd.”

This year, we invited best-selling author and consumer advocate Erin Brockovich to be our keynote speaker.  Following an exciting live auction, Erin shared her story of an underdog turned worldwide inspiration and how her own past shared many similarities with clients we support each day.

Through the sale of event tickets, sponsorship, raffle tickets, live auction items and donations, this year’s gala generated more than $516,000. Events such as this enable us to continue to intervene, empower and lead when and where she needs us most.

A big thank you to our keynote speaker Erin Brockovich for sharing her story with the Calgary community; Chief Rick Hanson for joining Erin on stage for a special conversation; Lynette for sharing her story of bravery; to Dave Kelly, our emcee and to Mayor Nenshi for attending and speaking to the audience about the YWCA’s efforts to support vulnerable women.

And finally, to our donors, supporters and volunteers, thank you – for making the evening a great success.  You enable us to ensure women are able to thrive in a safe and equitable community.

Photo courtesy of Kim Pryhitko Photography.