Money raised at a food-focused fundraiser earlier this month will help ensure North Delta kids with extra needs have a place to play.
Reach Child and Youth Development Society held its fifth annual “A Taste of Reach” on Thursday, Oct. 12 at Tasty Indian Bistro on Scott Road, with the event also serving as the launch for the society’s Reach Acess2Play Campaign.
The event raised $47,000 towards expanding the playground at the North Delta Recreation Centre from 1,188 square feet (appropriate for 18 children) to nearly 3,500 square feet (big enough for 54 kids) in order to meet growing population needs and create a hub that is more accessible for children, youth and adults with wheelchairs, sensory needs and mobility issues.
“A Taste of Reach was a huge success!” Reach event co-ordinator Tamara Veitch said in a press release. “We are grateful to Tasty Indian Bistro’s owner, staff, and all the wonderful speakers, guests, sponsors, donors and volunteers who came out for this delicious event launching the Reach Acess2Play Campaign. Together, we are one step closer to helping every child in our community reach their potential.”
Billed as a blend of culture and humanitarianism that “brings awareness to supporting every child along their unique developmental pathway,” the evening included a welcome cocktail reception, gourmet hors d‘oeuvres and a family-style dinner provided by host Tasty Indian Bistro, a selection of desserts provided by Surrey’s Just Cakes, and complimentary wine selections from The Drinks List.
A local family shared their story about the help their child received at Reach and the importance of reducing barriers to inclusion, and guests also enjoyed music, remarks by speakers including Delta MP Carla Qualtrough, and a live auction.
Gold sponsors for the event were Realco Properties, Harp Khela Real Estate Group and Holyside Property Development Ltd., with silver-level support from Group 161 DF Architecture, bronze-level sponsorship from Envision Delta Branches and BMGroup, and media sponsorship from Drishti Magazine.
The previous four A Taste of Reach events raised more than $200,000 combined.
Reach Child and Youth Development Society is a non-profit charitable society that has been providing services to children and their families since 1959. Reach currently provides programs and services to over 1,000 children and their families in Delta, Surrey and Langley every year. Visit them at reachdevelopment.org.
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