Fashion Meets Philanthropy on one “Unforgettable” night
The May Court Court Club of Oakville held its Biennial Fashion Show, entitled Unforgettable, on October 9th 2019 at The Burlington Convention Centre in Burlington Ontario, to a sell out crowd of over 540 guests.
This “Unforgettable” evening raised a record breaking amount of over $160,000! Money raised from the fashion show is going to support many local charities including Acclaim Health’s New Dementia Care facility. The May Court Club of Oakville pledged $150 000 towards Acclaim Health’s new state of the art Dementia Care Centre which is scheduled to open mid 2020 in Oakville.
The professionally produced Runway Show showcased the latest must-have fashions for Fall and Winter in partnership with Tocca Finita and M for Men. The fashion forward evening featured professional models, and a live auction which brought in $32 800. The guests were delighted with the unique silent auction of all bags and purses. Not only were the purses and bags fitting for a fashion forward evening but they were also symbolic of a greater significance. Melissa Cameron, Executive Director for Acclaim Health said “For many people living with dementia, handbags become touchstones – almost security blankets because they represent identity, independence and normal routine”.
May Court Club President, Gail Krasnick, “I am incredibly proud of ALL the May Court women who help to make this fundraiser a record breaking success”. She affectionately referred to the event’s steering committee as “The Dream Team” and noted that May Court is made up of 240 local women who volunteer their time and talents to make a difference to their community. Krasnick goes on to say that May Court Club of Oakville provides grants, scholarships and services to the Halton community with their main focus on women, children and seniors.
May Court’s contribution to Acclaims Health’s new Dementia Care Facility will go to creating “the heart of the new dementia care centre”, the all-season garden. This garden will bring fresh air, sunshine and well-being to hundreds of people with dementia using the centre each year.
Acclaim Health’s Director of Development and Marketing, Melissa Cameron said that May Court members have understood from the beginning, deep in their bones, just how much families need this centre. Melissa thanked the May Court Club of Oakville for their outstanding contributions “they are truly making the world a better place. It’s not always easy work, but it’s the most important work of all”
Acclaim Health has raised $3.5 million of their $5 million dollar goal. Their new Dementia Care facility will include an expanded adult day program, provide short stay overnight respite bed (which is currently unavailable in Halton). It will provide increased caregiver support for families and bring innovative best practices in dementia care from around the world. Cameron says “people living with dementia will have a safe space to be themselves, socialize, try new things and be a part of the world around them. They will feel like they belong and that they are valued as a whole person. These are the very things the disease steals from people and the very things we need to give them back”. When asked about May Courts evening, Cameron responded “It was a truly inspiring to see how the extraordinary efforts of the May Court Club of Oakville galvanized our community. So many people in the room had their own family experiences of dementia and everyone came together to make this new dementia care centre happen.”
If you would like to find out more about May Court or how to get involved visit their website maycourt.ca
