Skip to content

Stelly’s Global Gala a success

On the evening of Nov. 21, 700 members of the community attended the Stelly’s Secondary Global Gala
56773sidneyPNRStellysGlobalGalagroup
From left

By Kaylee Butler and Connor Williamson/Stelly’s Secondary students

On the evening of Nov. 21, 700 members of the community attended the Stelly’s Secondary Global Gala.

The Global Gala is an annual event that raises funds to send a dedicated group of young humanitarians abroad.

This year, 27 students have prepared for their travels to Nepal, a landlocked country in southern Asia. There, they will complete the construction of a desperately needed day care and waterline.

The annual Gala evening features an array of dining and entertainment, as well as a locally funded silent auction. Each year, Stelly’s opens its doors to the community, showcasing both the diligent work of global Perspectives students and the artistic and culinary talents of local youth.

But that’s not all.

An evening of this magnitude cannot go off without a hitch unless you have clear guidance and a committed crew. This is where co-ordinator Odessa Cheeke offered her expertise.

“This experience has been memorable. It was tough and did take a lot but at the end of it all you feel amazing. Like you accomplished something that will mean so much to those affected by it,” Cheeke said.

Coming from a student, it is clear that this event has become more than just a fundraiser, it is quite possibly life-changing.

Cheeke added that the evening would not have been possible without the attention and energy giving by a group of inspiring Grade 11 students.

“The Global 11 class this year was great. They were enthused, involved and waiting to help. Without them this couldn’t have been as great of a success.”

But where do the students learn the tools they need to make this work? From the sponsors of the class Tim Storm and Chris Mcdonald, Gala veterans.

“This year was great. Every student was committed and involved, willing to help others and never expecting less than the best from themselves. It was a great year and a memorable one at that,” said co-sponsor teacher Tim Storm.

Having the drive and determination to hold an evening that raises over $22,000 is something many students the age of Cheeke and her peers haven’t done.

These youth demonstrate to a community what it is they want to do, plan to do, continue to do and have done. People like them are what makes a community, and a society noteworthy.

In light of Nelson Mandela’s recent passing, his memorable quote that “it always seems impossible until it is done” seems to apply to the students and the program.

— Submitted