John and Michelle Weber went to the Gala Fundraiser for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation this past weekend. John tells us a little bit about the Gala and the powerful impact the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation can have.

“The Women and Children’s Shelter is completely underwritten by the corporation of Royal LePage. The CEO, Staff and offices are all supplied and paid for by the Corporation. Every dollar they raise is distributed nationally to the Shelters. The Gala does just that, it’s a fundraiser for the shelter.

There were approximately 260 to 270 people in attendance, everyone paid $250 a ticket. It was fun, great food, great environment, all of that stuff. However, the main reason you’re really there is for the live auction.

The unique thing about this auction is that it is mainly successful realtors that are there. It’s so impressive that there are people who had flown in from all across the country. You think it would mostly be Ontario people and the majority were local. It was really neat to see the whole country was represented at this event. I met someone from Vancouver and thought, “wow, you came just for this event.” That’s awesome.

 

Whenever they have an auction for the shelter, it is only Royal LePage agents in attendance. At every auction they always go above and beyond . They will pay double, sometimes triple the value of the item. That was displayed again on Friday night. They do it because that is their way of giving back.

What was interesting was they had someone who had been supported by the Shelter, a very lovely young lady. She stepped up and gave a speech, she said, “you know, I don’t think you people always know what big of an effect you have but I had to seek help. Six years ago I had a two month old baby and we had to get out of our home. That Shelter changed everything. I’m a University graduate, I have a great job, my daughter is six years old now. We are in great shape. If it wasn’t for that Shelter, I don’t know where we would have gone.”

You know, $500 is a lot of money but, the amazing feeling you get is worth it. You really did something great, you really helped someone you will never know and never meet. This is something Royal LePage really has to be proud of. It’s the one thing they focus on and clearly they make a difference.

I implore those local agents who have yet to attend: please go next year. It’s a wonderful cause, it’s a heck of a time and it feels really wonderful to know that you’ve made a difference.”We’re glad you and Michelle had a blast, John. It looks like it was a fantastic time. You can keep up to date with the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and take a look at some more pictures through their Facebook page.