The SMUC / BSUC Gala is fast approaching on Saturday, September 23 at 5:30pm! A fundraiser for our joint congregation’s refugee sponsorship program, the Gala will be held in-person at St. Matthew’s United Church at 729 St. Clair Avenue West! Whether it’s your first time attending the gala, or you’ve been going for years, we thought you might have some questions. See below for our Gala Q and A:
What can I expect at this year’s Gala?
We’ll transform parking lot to harvest feast hall,
And dine al fresco amidst the colours of fall,
We’ll rejoice together with song and mirth,
While raising funds for a cause of worth!The theme of this year’s Gala is Fall Feast!
We will enjoy a dinner outside, followed by comedy, skits and music in the Sanctuary. Overall, you can expect a fantastic evening of entertainment and community, all while knowing you are supporting our refugee sponsorship efforts.
Is there a dress code?
There is not! If you’d like to dress up in your fanciest clothes, we’re here for that! If you’d like to be comfy, we’re here for that too! We don’t care what you wear, we just care that you show up ready to enjoy a fantastic night.
What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
No problem! Just contact [email protected]
What is the history of the Gala?
Bloor Street has a long history of annual fund raisers. For many years it was a Christmas bazaar. When the volunteer energy waned for that, Laurie Gordon took over as the Fund Raising Coordinator. Since then there has been a gala banquet every second year. In the odd years there have been various other fund-raisers: talent auctions, rummage sales, and mystery evenings.
During the height of COVID, the Gala pivoted to become an online event. A Gala meal was prepared and delivered by our fantastic volunteer team, and the Gala itself was an online evening of mystery, with a storyline created by Laurie Gordon, acted out by our team of volunteer congregational actors. Each video furthered the storyline and gave us a clue, and we then solved puzzles in Zoom breakout rooms. Each clue we solved (or were told the answer to after the breakout rooms) brought us one step closer to solving the mystery!
This year’s Gala will be our first in-person one since pre-Covid. We are so excited for it and can’t wait to see you there!
Who organizes the Gala?
This year’s Gala is being organized by Laurie Gordon and Betsy Anderson, with a whole host of volunteers and staff supporting.
How can I get involved beforehand, or volunteer at the gala on the night of the event?
If you would like to get involved to volunteer, please contact Laurie.
How much do tickets cost?
As with previous galas, we have held the ticket price to $20, so that all can attend. Fund-raising will be by donation.
How do I get tickets and attend the Gala?
To secure your spot, simply send along your payment for ticket(s) and/or fundraising. There are no paper or emailed tickets – your name is simply on a list of attendees.
Bloor Street Congregation
Send funds by e-transfer to [email protected],
or by cheque to Bloor Street United Church, 300 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1W3Please indicate on your remittance:
___ Gala tickets @ $20 = $ ____________ Gala Refugee Sponsorship = $ _________
St. Matthew’s Congregation
Send funds by PayPal, following the button on the St. Matthew’s website,
or by cheque to St. Matthew’s United Church, 729 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto, ON M6G 3J4Please indicate on your remittance:
___ Gala tickets @ $20 = $ ____________ Gala Refugee Sponsorship = $ _________
How can I donate if I cannot attend?
If you can’t attend and still want to make a difference, please donate via CanadaHelps.org or by cheque to St. Matthew’s United Church, 729 St. Clair Ave. W., Toronto, M6C 1B2.
Alternatively, you can donate by e-transfer (to [email protected]), or by CanadaHelps BLOOR STREET UNITED CHURCH | Charity Profile | Donate Online | Canadahelps or by cheque to Bloor Street United Church (put ‘Gala’ on the memo line), 300 Bloor St. West, Toronto, ON M5S 1W3. Please indicate on your remittance: Gala Refugee Sponsorship.
No matter how you send your financial gift, we thank you for your support!
Where do the donations go?
Fall Feast donations will support sponsoring Jafar and Nour Alaalyan and their baby, through United Neighbours, a refugee sponsorship group founded by St. Matthews and the surrounding community.
How much do we hope to raise?
The sponsorship goal is $27,000. We are not expecting to raise it all at the Fall Feast, but go ahead – surprise us!
How do I invite my friends and family?
Friends and family are warmly welcomed to attend get tickets and attend the Gala! Simply send them the above ticket information, or ask them to contact [email protected]
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Laurie. He will be happy to hear from you and help out!