Over 155 people attended Community Living Huntsville\u2019s recent brunch in the spirit of building and supporting an inclusive community.<\/p>\n
The sold-out crowd was treated to a lovely Grandview brunch, a 25-foot silent auction table with over 130 items on it, a raffle and a handful of heartwarming speeches. Organizers estimate that about $14,500 was raised.<\/p>\n
What started as a one-off event to recognize the 50th<\/sup> anniversary of Community Living Huntsville (CLH) was so well received that it is now an annual event, four years strong, and an important fundraiser for the organization.<\/p>\n According to CLH Board Chair, Anne Collins, the money raised from the brunch goes towards the organization’s goal to raise $150,000 to establish a sustainable program that would provide much needed supports and services to those in the community living with the label of developmental disability but who are falling through the cracks because they do not meet the eligibility criteria set out by the Province.<\/p>\n We would like to be able to serve all the people in our community who live with a developmental disability. We want them to have a good life, to enjoy the same rights and freedoms, and to be able to have the same expectations as other community members do. That is, to have a job, to have friendships, a decent place to live, and to feel a sense of belonging that comes with being included and valued.Anne Collins, CLH Board Chair<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n CLH had a very successful fundraising year. An Investing in Inclusion breakfast held in May raised over $70,000 in donations and pledges. The organization will also receive over $10,000 as one of the recipients of the proceeds from this year\u2019s Mayor\u2019s golf tournament. As well, they are in line to receive the proceeds from the 2017 Huntsville\u2019s Got Talent event and the 2017 Band on the Run event.<\/p>\n\n\t\t