Tuesday, November 22, 2016, YW Calgary hosted our 6th annual YWhisper Fundraising Gala featuring ‘patient zero’ for cyberbullying, Monica Lewinsky. The gala, held at TELUS Convention Centre was attended by more than 630 people to raise funds in support of women and their families who are struggling with poverty, domestic abuse and social exclusion. The event raised more than $348,000, surpassing its goal and demonstrating once again, Calgarian’s are dedicated to supporting YW despite tough economic times in Alberta.
The evening featured a VIP reception beautifully decorated by Krista Hermanson of Krista Hermanson Design. VIP attendees heard from Mayor Naheed Nenshi, who welcomed Ms. Lewinsky to a place of safety and security. VIPS included gold sponsor Birchcliff Energy and silver sponsors Avenue Calgary Magazine, Dan Echino, Vermilion Energy and Matco Financial as well as their invited guests. Photography at the event was done by the one and only Neil Zeller, of Neil Zeller Photography.
Throughout the evening, YW volunteers were offering for sale highly sought-after raffle tickets, which sold out before the elegant dinner was complete. Dinner was devoured and Sue Tomney, YW Calgary CEO took to the stage! Ms. Tomney spoke of the importance of YW to inspire, bring people together to affect change and speak out on issues that impact women in Calgary. Ms. Tomney then introduced Shelia O’Brien, a longtime YW supporter, who offered an invitation to the audience: match her pledged $100,000 donation to YW. She encouraged the audience to dig deep and give a little more despite the downturn. The night moved on to the exciting live auction where a bidding war occurred over a fabulous fishing trip!
Finally, the highly anticipated speech from Ms. Lewinsky. Ms. Lewinsky’s spoke passionately about the need to click with compassion when we’re viewing social media stories that focus on public humiliation. Ms. Lewinsky touched on how common place it is for us to view these stories that public humiliation and the culture of humiliation has turned into a blood sport that we, as a society, have created and encouraged. Ms. Lewinsky pointed out that “shame is a commodity and public humiliation, an industry.”
Her speech was well received by attendees; there wasn’t a sound as she shared her experience and her hopes. Ms. Lewinsky’s speech elicited positive and electric responses from YW board member Nirmala Naidoo and Dave Kelly, YWhisper emcee. Ms. Naidoo, who called on the audience to end the social media harassment and bullying of women in politics while Dave Kelly was so moved by Ms. Lewinsky’s story about thoughts of the world his daughter will grow up in that he left the stage quite emotional after closing the event.
YWhisper and Ms. Lewinsky’s speech come at a time in Alberta when the online harassment of women in politics has reached a boiling point. The abuse and cyber-bullying of women in the public eye experience, celebrities and politicians alike, serve as examples for the work that needs to be done in this sphere. The gala was also the first time the new YW brand was represented at an event.
It was the perfect opportunity for us to step out, be bold and present a new face to Calgary. YWhisper reminds all of us of the ongoing stigma and shame women face in our community and the political sphere.
Thank you to our keynote speaker Monica Lewinsky, Shelia O’Brien for her ongoing dedication and commitment to vulnerable women in Calgary, Dave Kelly our emcee, Mayor Naheed Nenshi, Nirmala Naidoo YW Gala Chair for speaking up and speaking out and being such wonderful ambassadors for YW and our community.
Finally, thank you to our donors, supporters, volunteers and staff working behind the scenes. Without you, an event like this is not possible. Your support helps ensure women and their families can thrive in a safe and equitable community.
