Thank you to those who generously supported my inaugural Gala “Hail to our Heroes” and a special welcome to new friends who I hope will be participating in this year’s event.

With the support of our donors in 2023, we raised over $400,000 and were able to provide much needed funding to the Ajax Pickering Hospital ACT team, the Carion Fenn Foundation, Wounded Warriors, and the local branches of the Royal Canadian Legions. We honoured our first responders, we talked about mental health, and had an amazing party. It was a spectacular night that I was privileged and humbled to be part of.

The Pickering Mayor’s Gala is Durham Region’s signature black-tie charity fundraiser, bringing together our community’s leaders and businesses to raise funds that will support our local hospital and organizations that are making a difference in our community. I am so pleased to share that funds raised this year will support our youth as well as food insecurity in our community. This year’s recipients are Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-West Durham and Northumberland, Girls Incorporate of Durham., Their Opportunity Minor Sports Corporation, Scientists in School, and St. Paul’s on the Hill Community Food Bank. The Gala will also continue to support the Ajax Pickering Hospital and the Carion Fenn Foundation.

As business leaders in our community, your ongoing support has been essential to the success of this event. Your generosity and commitment to our community have been integral to our growth and development, and we hope that you will continue to be a vital part of our progress. Your continued commitment is greatly appreciated and will help make a difference in the lives of those in our community who need it most.

We invite and welcome new sponsors to discover the energy and excitement of the Pickering Mayor’s Gala as a way to connect with the vibrant and caring community that we have partnered with and supported for two decades. Your generosity and support will create a dynamic and unforgettable experience for all those in attendance and I look forward to sharing it with you.

Kevin Ashe