South Surrey’s nautical gala sails past its fundraising goal, inspiring hope and support through one teen’s moving story.
A Night That Set Sail With Purpose
Imagine a night filled with laughter, warm conversations, and the feeling that something meaningful was unfolding. That’s exactly what happened at the Anchors Away Gala in South Surrey. The event, hosted by the Peace Arch Hospice Society at the Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club, didn’t just meet its fundraising goal it cruised past it.
The gala raised more than $148,000, exceeding expectations by 48%, and welcoming 200 en thusiastic guests who came ready to support free grief and palliative care services for local residents.
Community Spirit That Kept Growing
From the moment guests arrived, energy filled the room. Fine dining, live entertainment, and generous bidding during raffles and auctions kept the excitement rising. However, the evening truly shifted when attendees heard a firsthand story of courage and healing.
To begin with, listeners were quiet. Then, they leaned in. And suddenly, hearts opened.
The Story That Moved the Room
The spotlight turned to 14-year-old Grady Murphy-Bateman, a former hospice client. He shared his journey of loss and strength.
“A week before my eighth birthday, one of my moms passed away from lung cancer,” he said.
After the loss, his other mom reached out to the hospice for help. Counselling and support programs became a lifeline, offering space, understanding, and hope. Step by step, Grady found a way to live with grief not to forget it, but to grow through it.
Finding Comfort and Giving Back
Grady attended one-on-one sessions and the Friends Helping Friends: Children’s Grief Camp. At first, it felt unfamiliar. Then, surprisingly, it began to feel safe. Eventually, it felt comforting.
Later, when his school hosted a Young Entrepreneurs Fair, he knew exactly what he wanted to do. He created wooden art blocks, sold them, and donated half the proceeds to the hospice that helped him heal.
“It felt really good to give back to a place that helped me so much,” he told the audience.
A Message That Echoed Through the Evening
Peace Arch Hospice Society’s executive director, Amanda McNally, shared that Grady’s message captured the heart of their mission. Grief, she emphasized, should not be endured alone. With compassion, connection, and community support, healing becomes possible.
A Night That Made a Difference
Because of events like this, programs remain free. Because of stories like Grady’s, people understand why support matters. Because of continued generosity, no one has to walk through grief without help.
Altogether, the evening was proof that when kindness gathers, hope grows.
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