Since forming 11 years ago in memory of a Sarnia kindergarten teacher, Noelle’s Gift to Children has raised $3.5 million, the charity’s chairperson says.
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Reaching that sum is exciting and a little overwhelming, said Lynn Paquette, of the initiative started in memory of her daughter, Noelle Paquette.
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“It’s just heartwarming for the family to be able to do this,” said Lynn Paquette.
Inspired by Noelle Paquette’s habit of bringing things such as extra snacks and clothing for kids in her class, the charity has continued that legacy, providing funds to local schools to purchase clothing, snacks and school supplies for kids in need.
“And our community is unbelievable as well, all the support they’ve given” Lynn Paquette said.
The charity is kicking off 2024 with another sold-out gala, it’s flagship fundraising event that typically raises a bit more than $115,000, Paquette said.
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This year’s Jan. 27, 360-ticket, black tie, Winter Wonderland-themed gala at the Four Points by Sheraton in Point Edward is set to feature live and silent auctions, live music, table raffles and signature cocktails, she said, noting the venue change from Sarnia’s Dante Club, which has been “amazing,” is to allow more space for meal preparation.
The gala, running for its sixth time — it wasn’t held for two years amid COVID-19 — has sold out every year, Paquette said, calling it exciting to hit that mark again.
Other Noelle’s Gift fundraisers planned for 2024 include an annual walk and run in the fall called Light up the Night for Noelle, and Count Your Ks in May, that encourages people to collect pledges and set walking and running targets for the month.
Free fun days for families in July and November also are charity hallmarks and include putting on activities, offering things such as free pool access, and gifting goodies and crafts as another way of giving back, Paquette said.
A vehicle raffle that started in 2020 and raised about $75,000 a year for its first two years, had an off year in 2023, she said, raising $15,000.
It was surprising, “but we did OK,” Paquette said about the December raffle.
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