The Nightingale Centre for Grieving Children, Youth, and Families is set to host its inaugural fundraising celebration, High Tea for Hope, with funds going toward vital grief support services.
Jodi Pereira, Executive Director of The Nightingale Centre, shares insights into the organization's mission and the upcoming event designed to engage the community in their cause.
High Tea for Hope
The Nightingale Centre for Grieving Children, Youth, and Families invites you to the inaugural High Tea for Hope on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 1:00–5:00 p.m. at Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ontario.
This fun-filled special event aims to raise awareness and funds to support grieving children and families in Guelph and Wellington County. Attendees will enjoy an elegant high tea experience with spirits, games, and delectable treats while contributing to a vital cause.
"Awareness is the first step towards support. Many families are unaware of the resources available to them during their time of grief," she explains.
High Tea for Hope is more than just a fundraising event; it's a call to action for the community to rally around grieving families and celebrate the impactful work of The Nightingale Centre. The event promises an afternoon of elegance and socializing, with a Bridgerton-inspired theme encouraging guests to don their best Regency or garden party attire.
Beyond the high tea, live and silent auction, Fund-A-Need, fun games and more, attendees will learn about the Centre's impact and the critical role of community support in sustaining their services.
Intending to fill the room with community connection and a myriad of engaging activities planned, the event promises to be an unforgettable experience that makes a tangible difference in the lives of grieving families.
"Every ticket sold, every donation made, impacts our ability to provide these essential services," Pereira notes. "The day is all about bringing hope to grieving hearts together."
Building compassionate communities
With a belief that no family should grieve alone, the Centre offers its programs and services at no cost, ensuring accessibility to all in need. Relying on the generosity of the community for funding, the Centre underscores the acute need for specialized grief and bereavement support, especially at a time when the number of deaths from substance abuse is at an all-time high and in a region where the suicide rate significantly exceeds the provincial average.
Statistics from the Children and Youth Grief Network reveal the stark reality that 1 in 14 children in the area will experience the death of a parent or sibling before they turn 18, highlighting the essential nature of early intervention and support.
Madison Lambden, a founding board member for the Centre, said their comprehensive approach provides immediate assistance to those in grief and contributes to developing a more informed and compassionate community through education and consultation.
"Grieving well leads to living well,” Lambden adds. “Our work not only supports those directly affected by loss but also fosters a more compassionate community."
Since its establishment in 2019, The Nightingale Centre has been pivotal in fostering a community of courage and hope, touching the lives of hundreds of families with its array of grief programs, family consultations, and educational initiatives.
By ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grieve in a supportive environment, the Centre is dedicated to enabling grieving children to grow into well-adjusted adults, capable of living and loving well despite their early encounters with loss.
"Our programs are a lifeline for those facing the unimaginable loss of a loved one," Pereira states. "With community support, we can continue to offer these services and expand our reach to more families in need."
With little to no government funding for such programs, the Nightingale Centre relies on the community's generosity to keep these essential services accessible and free. Tickets are priced at $120, and there are opportunities for sponsorship and donations for those who wish to make an even greater impact.
Join The Nightingale Centre for an afternoon of compassion and support, helping to bring hope to those in need. Purchase your ticket online today. For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact [email protected].
High Tea For Hope would not be possible without our incredible local sponsors. Below is a list of our committed 2024 sponsors:
Presenting Sponsors
- Terra View Homes
- Granite Homes
Event Partners
- McKenzie Lake Lawyers
- Barzotti Woodworking Ltd
Support Partners
- Guelph Mortgage Architects
- Ceramic Decor
- PGgrowth
- Lane Logistics
- The Masci/Robinson Family
- Sutherland Insurance
- Crozier Consulting Engineers
- Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home
Special Event Sponsors
- GuelphToday
- Durrell Communications
- Feather & Foe Boutique
- Milk & Co. Gourmet Cookies
- Cutten Fields
