First virtual Bishop’s Gala in May raised funds and lifted spirits

Direct from Morrisburg, the band West of the Rock (including the Rev. Jon Martin and Becca Tremblay) performed a lively Alan Doyle tune.

Ahmad, who receives therapy from the Princess Basma Centre, offered inspiring words and smiles.

Bishop Shane Parker extended his thanks to everyone who helped make the 38th annual and first ever virtual Bishop’s Gala on May 27, a success.

“It was so good to be able to widely share the Gala this year,” he told Crosstalk. “Even though the tickets sold out quickly for those who could afford them, everyone was able to tune into the event for free, and to learn about the work of our Jerusalem and PWRDF partners, and maybe bid on an auction item or two—and to enjoy all of the fantastic entertainment provided by talented members of our diocese!”

The event raised $32,000, allowing the Diocese to send $16,000 to each of the gala beneficiaries—the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre, which offers virtual rehabilitative therapies to children with disabilities in Gaza and the West Bank, and a COVID extension of the All Mothers and Children Count program, which supports PWRDF partners in Rwanda, Mozambique, Tanzania and Burundi. The COVID extension provides PPE (personal protective equipment) and other necessities for pandemic safety as well as helping the partners maintain important gains in food security, maternal and child health during the original program. The Canadian government was matching funds for the All Mothers and Children Count extension on a 6:1 basis, which increased the funds for that project to $94,000.

Hosted by the bishop, the gala included special appearances by Archbishop Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada; Archbishop Hosam Naoum, Primate of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East; Will Postma, executive director of PWRDF; and the Rev. Patrick Stephens, diocesan PWRDF representative, with his children Esther and Rupert Stephens.

Talented musicians (including two 7-year-olds!) from across the diocese entertained guests, playing a diverse range of music from classical to folk offerings. Wendy Morrell and Rosalind Reid of the Sacred Dance Guild danced, and the Morrisburg band West of the Rock, sent everyone home with the tune from Newfoundlander Alan Doyle’s song Bully Boys rolling through their memories. 

Archdeacon Peter Crosby praised the gala as one of the best fundraising events he had attended in a long time. “It celebrated diverse gifts of both children and adults; it had a clear purpose supporting two kingdom-oriented charities. Plus, we didn’t have to wait forever for either a drink or our dinner.  Short drive home as well!”

Gala committee co-chairs Heidi Pizzuto and Heidi Fawcett said planning and organizing the event was “a bit daunting when we realized we needed to go virtual this year…. It was at times hard to see how it was all going to come together but it did!  Our gala committee is very pleased with the final product, as affirmed by many participants from around our diocese.  We look forward to doing it all again, hopefully in person in 2022.  Save the date – Thursday, May 26.”