Gala helps Rebound Sarnia-Lambton celebrate 40 years

This year’s Hearts for Youth Gala will celebrate the era when Sarnia-Lambton Rebound began.

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The Sarnia-based youth charity, formed in 1984, turns 40 this year and its 23rd annual fundraising gala Feb. 10 will have a 1980s theme, including a video dance party.

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“It’s going to be our kickoff to a year of celebrating,” said Maddisyn Fisher, Rebound’s fund development and marketing co-ordinator.

Rebound, founded by the late Barry Symington, Terry Fitzgerald and Dee Cox, began in a church basement in Sarnia as a short diversion program for youth.

Since then, it has served more than 4,000 Sarnia-area young people, and currently operates 18 programs serving youth aged eight to 24, with offices in Sarnia, Forest and Petrolia.

The gala, Rebound’s largest annual fundraiser, typically raises $60,000 to $80,000, Fisher said. Last year, it brought in just over $70,000.

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“It is a big night in support of a grassroots youth charity,” Fisher said.

“We’re going to step back in time,” at this year’s event, she said. “We’re going to be bringing the grove and good vibes. . . (and) rock our finest ’80s party wear.”

The gala, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Point Edward, begins at 6 pm and will include a buffet dinner, cocktails, live and silent auctions, and other fundraising activities.

A new fundraiser this year will put “amazing” framed album covers created by local artists up for bids, Fisher said. “We have a fantastic Cindy Lauper one I’m just in awe of. It’s really, really cool.”

The video dance party will play music from the 1980s. “It’s going to feel like an MTV video dance party,” Fisher said. “They’re going to be playing all the hits, so we’re hoping the dance floor is going to be popping.”

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They are already closing in on selling the 300 tickets available, she said. “If anyone’s looking for a ticket, we really suggest getting them now.”

Tickets are $125 per person and sponsorships for tables of eight are $1,500, Fisher said. Firf details, visit reboundonline.com.

“We’re ready to have a fantastic night with amazing community members,” Fisher said.

Rebound receives some government and United Way funding, but relies on fundraising for a significant chunk of its more than $1-million annual budget, she said.

“This gala is super crucial for our success,” helps support Rebound programs such as the Hub, Spectrum, Rebound Rocks and Act II, Fisher said.

Several other 40th anniversary events are planned, she said, and some of the first youths helped by Rebound 40 years ago have reached out recently with stories about how it changed their lives.

“It has been such a fantastic opportunity for me to really understand the history of Rebound,” and understand its impact and importance, Fisher said.

“We are the leader right now in early intervention and prevention strategies for young people” and offer programs “to let kids and youth have responsibility for their own communities so they feel a sense of belonging,” Fisher said.

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