November 18, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On Saturday, November 16, 118 guests turned out to support Dan’s Legacy’s 11th Annual Chefs’ Charity Dinner presented by the BCGEU at the Freemasons Hall in New Westminster, and raised $77,685 for at-risk youth. The funds will go towards Dan’s Legacy’s trauma-informed, no barrier counselling programs, as well as its “Build a Kitchen” campaign.
Celebrity host Erin Cebula was the evening’s MC, which featured the culinary creations of Chefs Shay Kelly (LACH& KEA Culinary Consultants), Andrew Brazeau-George (Ono Collectives), Alannah Peddie (Frolic & Forage Catering), as well as Luke Willingdon assisted by students from Dan’s Diner.
All dishes prepared at the fundraiser were made from surplus food.
“We really have a lot to thank the community of New Westminster for,” says Barbara Coates, Dan’s Legacy’s executive director. “Everyone has been so generous, and we know that with their ongoing support, we can continue to provide critically needed mental health counselling and job-skills training to young people asking for our help.”
This year Dan’s Legacy predicts it will have provided services to approximately 700 at-risk youth in the Lower Mainland, who benefit from the charity’s harm prevention approach to counselling, and wrap-around support programs, as well as job training in the culinary industry. All of Dan’s Legacy’s programs are provided free of charge to the youth.
Dan’s Legacy thanks Chief Rhonda Larrabee (Qayqayt First Nation), Elder William “Bill” Nelson (Elder-in-Residence, City of New Westminster), MP Peter Julian, MLA Jennifer Whiteside, Mayor Patrick Johnstone and Councillor Tasha Henderson, and former Dan’s Legacy client Alex Vidal for speaking at the event.
Grateful thanks also goes to the following sponsors: presenting sponsor the BCGEU; Media Sponsor Global BC; Social Media Sponsor Miss604; Venue Sponsor Freemasons Hall; Double Platinum Sponsor Stonewater Group; Platinum Sponsor Rathburn Contracting; Champions of Change Sponsors Oppy, Douglas College, Zorbas Bakery & Foods Ltd., and CN; In-Kind Sponsors Steel & Oak Brewing Co., Backyard Vineyards, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, The Little Butcher, Kelly Farms, Hye Floral Studio, Singh Beans, and Legends Haul; and Food & Friends Sponsors Starlight Casino New Westminster, Element Event Solutions, Agnes Ho, TapSnap Vancouver, Legacy Lodge, and Bespoke Décor. A full list of sponsors can be found here.
Dan’s Legacy also recognizes and salutes its volunteers for the gift of their valuable time.
If you were unable to attend the gala but would like to support Dan’s Legacy, or if you know someone who is asking for help, please visit www.danslegacy.com to make a donation or Get Help.
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About Dan’s Legacy
Dan’s Legacy provides no-barrier therapeutic counselling and wrap-around programs to youth dealing with mental health and addictions issues. We go directly to the youth wherever they are, we try to maintain a no-wait list and all of our services are free. Last year Dan’s Legacy helped over 600 youth meet their educational, employment and recovery goals.
Media Contact
Lee Crawford
Manager Marketing & Communications
[email protected] 604-644-6427
