Reach Child and Youth Development Foundation has announced six new members to its board of directors for 2013/2014, who represent over half a century of senior management, leadership and volunteer service in the community.
New directors include Norman Stark, Katherine Bamford, Tanya Corbet, Joan Hansen, Linda Ottho and treasurer Tom Siba, who will also serve on the Reach Society board as treasurer.
Returning to the board is chair Barbara Wallick, and directors Valerie Bartlett and Agnes Douglas.
"These new members of our board add tremendous value to our efforts in our capital campaign," said Wallick. "We are so grateful to have their skills and expertise, as well as their strong commitment to community and to the children and families that Reach serve."
The Reach Foundation, founded in 2010, is a volunteer group of individuals elected by Reach board to raise the $4 million needed to build a new facility in Ladner for children and youth with special needs.
Reach, which began in 1959 in Ladner, provides programs, services and resources to children and youth with special needs and to their families. Reach's currently facility in East Ladner is outdated and not accessible by bus.
The organization's goal is become more community based and to have a facility that can enable it to serve the growing population of children and youth with special needs.
To date the building campaign has raised approximately $1.3 million and the foundation hopes to reach the $2 million mark by the 2014 fiscal year end.
"This project will happen only through the generous contributions by our community," said Wallick. "Our foundation is reaching out to the community, to businesses and to individuals to help us in reaching our goal and in making this new building possible.
"Anyone can help through a donation, large or small, through a fundraiser, through a business contribution or through coming to a fundraising event."
To help in its fundraising efforts, Reach will be hosting its second annual Reach for the Stars gala titled Raising the Roof for Reach on March 1 at the Harris Barn in Ladner. The event, supported through a host of sponsors, including presenting sponsors Port Metro Vancouver and Odlum Brown, will feature dinner, silent and live auctions, an Air Canada tickets raffle, some fun surprises as well as inspiring youth performances and presentations. Purchase tickets to Reach for the Stars online at www.reachforthestarsevent.org, by phone at 604-946-6622 ext. 0 or in person at 3-3800-72nd St.
