Until recently, many charity events have been skewed towards a slightly older age group. And yet there is a younger demographic that very much wants to give back.
The opportunity to support local charities should be available to everyone who is fortunate enough to have the means to help. That’s a big part of the reason why a brand-new inaugural charity event is being held—consider it next-generation philanthropy.
Royal Reach, presented by AFYA Skin and Body, will be an entertaining evening of fundraising that guests are sure to enjoy.
Event co-hosts Christina FitzGibbon and Morgan Dundas plan to roll out the red carpet for all of their guests, who can look forward to receiving a sparkling wine toast on arrival from Guelph Facial Plastics, a plated meal, a brew courtesy of Sleeman Breweries and a specialty cocktail from Spring Mill Distillery.
After dinner, guests will be treated to dessert from Donuts by Lady Glaze. The evening will continue with a live performance from popular cover band the Test Icicles; you can enjoy the music from the dance floor or from the lounge, where title sponsor AFYA Skin and Body will be providing some special treats.
The pair’s goal is to select a new local charity each year to help spread the support and impact that the event can have.
The 2022 Royal Reach will raise money exclusively for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph.
“We felt there was a need in the community to offer a charity event that was targeted at our age demographic. The goal was to ‘re-think’ charity events and offer something new and different to our peers,” says FitzGibbon. “We are the next generation of donors within the community and we want to start fostering the idea of local giving now as we all become more established.”
The backstory
FitzGibbon and Dundas are long-time friends who share a passion for their community and for putting on a good event. Says Dundas, “We have put down our roots in Guelph and it is important to us to give back to the community!”
The pair are fortunate to have the support of a small committee that has helped them increase their reach: a talented team that includes Sarah Belan, Christine Arget and Christina Crowley-Arklie.
“We are excited about partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph as the youth in our community have been through a lot in the past two years. This well-known, worthy cause enables life-changing mentoring relationships that help the future of our city: the youth!”
Says Dundas, “Like most charities, BBBSG hasn’t been able to host its own in-person events since 2020; we saw this as an opportunity to bring some fun and energy to a very worthy cause.”
Sponsors
The team has been so humbled by the amazing support the local community has already shown.
“We couldn’t be more proud to work with such an amazing group of companies and people. Our only hope is to continue to grow this event in the years to come and strengthen the impact we are able to have on the community we care so much about,” says FitzGibbon.
The list of sponsors for the 2022 inaugural event includes:
Title Sponsor: AFYA Skin and Body
Band Sponsor: Tricar Developments
Drink Sponsor: Sleeman Breweries and Spring Mill Distillery
Wine Sponsor: Nick FitzGibbon
Sparkling Wine Sponsor: Guelph Facial Plastics
Media Sponsor: Guelph Today
Platinum Sponsor: Hybrid Financial
Gold Sponsor: AJDL Development Group, Wood Development Group, Salex & Scott Barbison from RBC Commercial Banking
Silver Sponsor: Mezcon Construction, S.W. Irvine & Associates, 8 Days a Week and Virani Law
Other event partners include: Delve Interiors, CijiMarie Blooms, Sarmazian Flooring, Lady Glaze Donuts, Moffitt Printing, Haley Gill Photography and Cutten Fields.
Silent auction
An impressive array of items and experiences have been donated for the night’s silent auction. These include a day of golf for four, a YETI cooler, a Danby mini fridge, an electric fireplace and an Austin Matthews CCM hockey stick, to name just a few.
To get a sneak peek at the offerings, check out the most up-to-date list online here or visit the event’s Instagram page.
The venue
Cutten Fields is a private golf course in Guelph that has the most beautiful patio view in the city. “Cocktail hour will be on the Cutten Patio overlooking our beautiful city and we couldn’t think of a more fitting venue for the Royal Reach,” says FitzGibbon. “Food and service are second to none, so we are confident our guests will be full and happy when they leave!”
“As we emerge from the last two years, we hope this event brings some joy and happiness to our attendees. More importantly, the money raised will have a direct impact on the youth in the community. For these reasons, we are beyond proud of this event and can’t wait to see where it goes in the years to come!”
Buy your tickets
Tickets can be purchased until July 1st online here.
If you want to contribute and can’t attend, you also have the opportunity to donate on the site below.
Says FitzGibbon, “There is lots to look forward to and we can’t wait to host everyone!”
To learn more about the event and how you can participate, visit them online.
