鈥淭his year鈥檚 gala was a hit,鈥� said an ecstatic Jayne Nelson, executive director of 91原创 Animal Protection Society (LAPS).
The annual Dreams Do Come True gala was moved to virtual means when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down an endless number of in-person events.
The LAPS team decided to carry on with the meal portion of the fundraiser, delivering boxes of three-course meal kits prepared by Joseph Richard鈥檚 Group Executive Chef Andy Slinn to homes on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Organizers hoped to raise $70,000, but significant beat that goal by taking in $100,000 through meal orders, donations, and silent auction bids.
鈥淎s usual this year鈥檚 gala would not have been a success without the incredible efforts of our committee and other dedicated volunteers who gave so much of their time, making floral bouquets the night before and staining and building the boxes the meals went out,鈥� Nelson said.
Nelson added that her team of volunteers especially loved delivering the meals to people throughout 91原创; 14 volunteers delivered 65 boxes around the 91原创 area while Joseph Richard鈥檚 Group fascinated pick-up of 51 others.
Once 鈥渁ttendees鈥� received their meal, they could watch speeches, stories, and accomplishments streamed live on LAPS鈥檚 YouTube channel.
鈥淲e had great attendance and great feedback from our guests about the food from the Joseph Richards Group and everyone seemed to enjoy the experience,鈥� Nelson explained. 鈥淭hough we had a few technical difficulties the Gala Committee did an awesome job resolving them.鈥�
Nelson added that if anyone still wishes to donate, people can do so by visiting .
LAPS is a non-profit, based out of the Patti Dale Animal Shelter, that cares for stray dogs, cats, and large animals.
People can also visit for more information on the organization.
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Nelson summed up the night by acknowledging the gala鈥檚 dream theme, a reference to Peter Pan.
鈥淎ll the world is made of faith, trust, and pixie dust,鈥� Nelson quoted, adding that all of those elements went into making the Dreams Do Come True gala a success.
鈥淲e were so excited and surprised by how much people enjoyed this format that we are considering including it for next year, even if we are able to be together in person next year,鈥� she said.
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Email: ryan.uytdewilligen@aldergrovestar.com
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