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Successful inaugural Gala for Girls Inc.

IMAGE. Supplied by Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta.

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta called its first Women of Inspiration Gala a great success.

Presented by the Bouchier Group, the inaugural event raised more than $45,000 for the non-profit organization.

Nanase Tonda, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, said they can’t wait to start planning for next year’s gala.

“From initiating this opportunity to being in the moment, every step of the way has made me re-realize just how powerful this community is, why we do what we do at Girls Inc. and what we can be.”

During the night’s festivities, the Women of Inspiration series recognized five local women for their efforts in breaking down barriers and bringing positive change in the community.

Karla Buffalo, Purva Sharma, Shannon Noble, Michelle Farrow and Caitlin Downie join 72 other women selected in the program since its formation in 2012 with Syncrude.

Headlining the Gala was America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer Winner, Mandy Harvey.

PHOTO. Singer and motivational speaker Mandy Harvey headlined the inaugural Girls Inc. Gala, presented by the Bouchier Group on March 7, 2020, at the Fort McMurray Golf Club. Supplied by Muhammad Alam/Clicks by Saad.

 

Harvey shared her story of overcoming hearing loss at the age of 19 to become an accomplished musician and motivational speaker.

“What’s the worst that can happen? Consider what’s the best that can happen? Everything.”

All proceeds raised for the Gala will support free Girls Inc. programming for girls aged 6-18 in Wood Buffalo.

PHOTO. Dozens attended the inaugural Girls Inc. Gala, presented by the Bouchier Group on March 7, 2020, at the Fort McMurray Golf Club. Supplied by Muhammad Alam/Clicks by Saad.

 

Tonda thanked the sponsors, volunteers, and event organizers for their efforts in helping more girls become “strong, smart, and bold.”

“Struggles, barriers, walls, ceilings… these may not always be visible. The word ‘see’ can be interpreted and experienced in so many ways. But together, we can find them, break them and unleash the potentials hidden by them, irrespective of our background.”

The nomination period for the 2020-21 Women of Inspiration Series is open.

April 30, 2020, is the deadline for applications for the first nominee.

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta shall announce the first nominee by the end of May.