Greatness and Galas

We all must make every attempt to understand the value of any school gala, and in particular the Selwyn House upcoming Gryphon Gala. Personally, I do not believe galas have to be held on a regular basis, nor do I believe they are events that should be used as the sole strategy for fundraising. A Gala is a celebration, and it should be a celebration of something. That is what the Gryphon Gala is all about. We are lucky. We have an opportunity to raise $6M to help with our facility, our financial assistance program, and the Professional Development Endowment Fund. These are all important, and I would suggest they should be considered crucial. Thus, the Gryphon Gala is a kick-off to what we hope will be a successful campaign. It is also a celebration of the new WAG field, a new deal with Westmount and the arena/recreation centre, and a celebration of all we do. 

Normally, school galas tend to be held in the spring, but as you know, the Selwyn House Gryphon Gala is on October 3. The decision was made to be absolutely crazy, and try to do as much as we possibly can during the first week of October. The beauty is that then it will be over. Can you imagine? Open House, Gryphon Gala, Terry Fox Run and activities, the opening football game at WAG, the Old Boys’ Montreal Dinner and the Old Boys’ touch football tournament all on the same week! 

So, everyone needs everyone’s support. It is going to be a crazy, challenging week but the end result and benefit to Selwyn House will be worth it.  Since we are all in this together, I just want you all to reflect as to what you can do to make things as easy as possible. Think about your involvement with the Open House, how you can help at Terry Fox, or whatever else you can do to make the week a positive experience for all. We will need to work together. Probably the biggest inconvenience will be the loss of the Macaulay parking lot from Tuesday, October 1 until Friday, October 4 (inclusive). It is not the end of the world, and I appreciate all the special arrangements people will be making. Thank you all so much.

Sharon Walker (as she always does) has prepared a schedule for the week for you all to peruse. Don’t get caught off guard, and remember this is a week for all of us.

I will end with a comment on the Gryphon Gala. Some of you have roles at the event and will be there for the evening. For anyone else, you are all invited to join all the guests at the extravaganza in Coristine Hall commencing at 10:00 p.m. The more the better and your presence will add so much to the fun and ambiance.  Dress up, work out your dance issues, and get up and close with The Peter Freeman Orchestra (featuring the percussion wizardry of Jaime McMillan).  As a huge bonus, you get to groove forever to the sounds of Iron Galaxy (who used his summer European tour as a warm up for the gala). It may be his greatest gig yet. I would love for as many as you as possible to attend. It adds so much to the atmosphere. See what you can do. 

Thank you so much for all your support and help. It is one week that could mean so much to Selwyn House.