Above: Shawna, a core member of L’Arche, greets guests as they arrive at Building Community two years go. Our signature gala event is a big team effort from our whole community – with enthusiasm. Get your tickets today for Building Community on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Delta Hotel before they sell out.
Recently I asked a few core members what they’re most looking forward to about our upcoming Building Community gala.
“Having dinner with everyone,” April said.
“Being at the Delta, because it’s a hotel and it’s reminiscent of my last stay there”, Patrick said.
“The fact that core members are included in the public speaking rather than just talked about,” Shawna said.
Putting on a big event like Building Community is a big team effort – and it takes everyone’s contributions to help make it the success that it is. April is eager to help with the silent auction; Patrick will serenade the networking reception on the grand piano; Shawna will be the first to greet everyone as they enter the event. The list goes on.
Building Community is more formal or scripted than a typical L’Arche community event, so I don’t take for granted how eager core members are to be involved with this event. As we plan for our fifth consecutive annual event, folks are more prepared than ever to jump in and be an integral part of the evening.
Building Community is a major fundraiser for L’Arche, yes – but it’s also an opportunity to live out our mission of making known the gifts of adults with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships. To Shawna’s point, if core members weren’t an integral part of the evening, it wouldn’t be “L’Arche.”
You won’t want to miss this upcoming signature event, with remarks from special guest the Honourable Graydon Nicholas – Wolastoqey Elder, lawyer, and judge from Tobique First Nation, best known as the first Indigenous person in Atlantic Canada to earn a law degree. He became New Brunswick’s first Indigenous provincial court judge in 1991 and later served as its first Indigenous Lieutenant Governor. Joining him in conversation will be Eleanor Austin, a former journalist turned speaker, mentor, and leadership branding coach with a passion for storytelling.
Our gratitude to our presenting sponsor, the McKenna Group, who rally behind the L’Arche mission to help make this event possible, and to our additional sponsors: Cox & Palmer, Brunswick Credit Union, Delta Hotels, and Acadia Broadcasting as our major media sponsor.
If you don’t already have your ticket, get them today – we’re close to selling out, as we do each year. Learn more and reserve your spot at www.larchesaintjohn.org/buildingcommunity
See you on September 10th!
Rachel Vander Vennen
Community Leader & Executive Director