The Second Annual Mending Hearts…Creating Dreams Gala was held on April 28th, 2007 at the Hilton Suites in Markham. The evening was successful in providing our guests with an elegant dinner, entertainment, silent auction and dance, raising awareness about the issue of violence against women in our community, and in raising much needed funds to support victims of violence.

The evening was months in the planning with Sue Tang, Yellow Brick House Board of Directors member, as the Chair for the second year in a row. The amount of planning, preparing and organizing that went into this event from Sue and her core team of volunteers is immeasurable, as are the benefits to our clients.

The Gala helped raise awareness about the services available at Yellow Brick House. As a result of media coverage, many women contacted Yellow Brick House for help, information and questions about resources available to them. In a broader sense, the issue of violence against women was brought to the forefront elevating the urgency to eradicate this pervasive issue.

The evening was wonderful. Galit Solomon of CTV and Allan Bell were the hosts. Linda Jackson, Mayor of Vaughan, delivered the key-note address. David West, from West Photography created a slideshow presentation of photos from the shelter to share the stories of two former Yellow Brick House clients. One of the women featured in the slideshow delivered a heartfelt thank you to Lorris Herenda, Executive Director, and personally thanked the counsellors she worked with while staying at Yellow Brick House.

The single most important message of the evening was the need to prevent violence and provide a safe place for women and children who are enduring abuse.

We hope that you will join us at our third annual Gala in May 3, 2008.