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Winnipeg MFRC Hosts 4th Annual Yellow Ribbon Gala
By Andrea Estenson, Winnipeg MFRC
From yellow ribbons to gold medals, this year the Winnipeg Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) Yellow Ribbon Gala exceeded all expectations. The fun-filled event was held 20 February 2010, and was attended by approximately 300 members of the business, civilian and military communities.
“This important event has grown significantly and has evolved to become our major fundraising event of the year,” said Troy Zuorro, Chair of the MFRC Board of Directors. “It was a fantastic evening to help raise awareness for our centre and generate funds that are key to the success of our programs and services.”
MFRC Executive Director Don Brennan was pleased with the event’s success. “It is through events like this that the MFRC is able to build relationships with the civilian community. We appreciate the support from both the military and civilian communities.”
This year’s event took place during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, so it was fitting to have an Olympian as the Gala’s Honoured Speaker. Lori-Ann Muenzer, Canada’s first and only gold medalist in cycling, riveted the audience with her inspirational address. Gold medal in hand, she showed video clips of her win at the 2004 Olympic Games and shared stories of personal triumph.
During dinner, Mistress of Ceremonies Marie-Eve Tremblay performed three songs. She has appeared as a soloist with Cirque du Soleil, and the MFRC was honoured to have her sing at the Gala.
Guests attending the Yellow Ribbon Gala have come to expect a stellar show from the Air Command Band, and this year was no different. The dinner music provided by the Jazz Quartet was incredible, and the performance by the Show Band brought the crowd to the dance floor. The event would not have been the same without them.
This year’s Gala also featured a new activity: tombola balloon prizes. Guests were invited to purchase a ticket for a balloon, and after dinner volunteers arrived with their mystery prizes. With the pop! of a yellow balloon, guests discovered what they’d won. The MFRC thanks all of the businesses and individuals who donated prizes for this fun new addition to the Gala.
From coordinating the tombola balloon prizes to selling tickets and registering guests, the MFRC’s volunteers were instrumental in assisting with the Gala.
“Volunteers were a vital part of this year’s Gala, from the very beginning right up to the very end of this evening. Thank you so much to all of our wonderful volunteers. They are the heart of the Winnipeg MFRC,” said Barbara Thuen, Coordinator of Volunteers for the MFRC and chair of the 2010 Gala Committee.
The MFRC is now looking forward to the 2011 Yellow Ribbon Gala, when Senator Mike Duffy is scheduled to be the guest speaker. For pictures of the 2010 Gala, and information about the 2011 Gala as it becomes available, please visit www.yellowribbongala.ca.
