More details of the Three Oaks Carnival Gala taking place next year were revealed at a luncheon on Thursday.
The luncheon, held at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Belleville, included a performance from the Ontario Dance Academy as well as a presentation of flowers to Three Oaks for their work in the community.
“We’re very excited to have everybody join us today,” Marianne Smith, Chair and Volunteer Operations Manager of the Lloyd Pearce Foundation, tells media.
“We had a good turnout. We had the Ontario Dance Academy here showing us a sneak peek of the event. We got to give everybody the information about the gala, when it’s happening, how much the tickets are and the fact that they’re going live on May 1, 2023.”
Tickets for the event will start at $175 with all proceeds from the tickets, as well as from the auctions, going directly to Three Oaks Foundation.
Smith says the foundation will be looking to raise as much money as they can for their first event.
“It’s our first year so we didn’t want to set an expectation,” Smith tells media.
“I’ve always been taught if you set an expectation you can get disappointed. So our main goal was just to raise money, any dollar helps.”
Smith says they have already been able to sell some sponsorship packages for the event which will help go towards the costs associated with the event.
“One third of our costs that we were projecting for the gala have already been (accounted for) because of the amazing support of this community,” Smith said.
“It just shows how much the community cares about organizations like Three Oaks.”
Also during the luncheon was a presentation of flowers to members of the Three Oaks Foundation for their work.
Marianne Smith of the Lloyd Pearce Foundation presenting flowers to members of Three Oaks Foundation. April 27, 2023. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Community Services Manager for Three Oaks Foundation, Amy Dufresne, says its important to have events like this.
“For a long time, it was a ‘not in my backyard’ kind of mentality,” Dufresne said.
“I think it’s important that people understand that these things are happening in Hastings County and they’re happening in large numbers.”
More information about the event as well as tickets for the gala can be found at the Three Oaks Carnival Gala’s website.
