The Children's Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent is taking a new approach to fundraising and it's all about the kids.
The foundation has remodelled its events to ensure the focus is on raising community awareness and funds to support the organization's programs for children.
"We are rebranding our events to be Gala for the Kids, Run for the Kids, and Golf for the Kids," said CTCF President Mike Genge. "We really wanted to focus on letting the public know that these events are for our kids."
The first annual Gala for the Kids is set for April 1 and will be the highlight of the foundation's fundraising season.
The evening will be at the Chatham Armoury and feature a high-end menu with appetizers and a three-course dinner by Chilled Cork.
"By supporting the gala, you're helping to ensure that kids in Chatham-Kent continue to receive quality therapy and services," said Genge.
In June, a fun five-kilometre run, called Run for the Kids, will be held at Rondeau Provincial Park. The run will feature "surprises " and entertainment.
"It's important that our supporters know that money raised through these events goes toward special programs and other critical services not funded by the government."
All proceeds raised from events help maintain the foundation's mental health services, therapeutic recreation, music therapy, and pool programs.
The foundation will support the traditional Festival of Giving by handing off the event model to a new community team that will lead that popular event later this year.
"The foundation had run its course with the festival," said Chair of the CTC Foundation Board of Directors Mike Grail. "It's been a wonderful vehicle for us to be able to showcase the foundation, to bring awareness, and to raise funds but at some point, the message does get lost."
This year's Festival of Giving will be held on June 3 and more information about the event can be found on the event's Facebook page.
"This new direction for the CTC Foundation events is very positive for our organization and we are excited to see how the community will respond to these important initiatives," said Grail. "As we continue to move forward on our new facility, the community will become even more aware of the large and critical role the CTC plays in the lives of one out of every five children in Chatham-Kent and we must continue to financially support the work they do there."
More details about the Gala for the Kids will be announced later this month.
