The annual Crystal Ball Gala at the Oakville Conference Centre in support of Halton Women’s Place is a breathtaking event of elegance and entertainment that shines a light on domestic abuse, an issue that too often is hidden in the shadows. Carm Bozzo, Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement says, “The Crystal Ball Gala is an elegant evening that brings together compassionate members of our community, sponsors, and advocates who all share the goal of supporting the essential programs and services that we offer at Halton Women’s Place.”
It’s Halton Women’s Place largest and most significant fundraiser. Bozzo adds, “It’s always an incredible event that features a variety of activities, inspirational stories, and a wonderful way to support the work that we do.”
An evening of elegant philanthropy
Saturday, February 22nd 2025, will be filled with fun and unforgettable moments. Guests will arrive at the Oakville Conference Center dressed to the nines, to savour a delicious dinner. The live and silent auctions are a highlight of the evening, where guests can bid on amazing items. Bozzo says, “These auctions are more than about winning treasures, they’re about creating opportunities for women and children who need a safe place to rebuild their lives.”
The evening will also feature a cocktail hour, live entertainment, a 360-photo booth experience, and a one-of-a-kind mystery door draw. You can purchase your tickets at: https://haltonwomensplace.com/gala/gala-tickets/ Purchase tickets before January 6th and you will receive a discount if you purchase a table. Bozzo is urging people to purchase a table early. “We typically sell out our gala evening, so it is worthwhile to get your tickets before the January 6th Early Bird deadline. For those who are interested in sponsorship opportunities, there is a range of benefits, including recognition at the event and in all promotional materials.”
“A Moment of Giving”
The heart of the evening lies in the personal story of a speaker who is a brave survivor of abuse. Her story is powerful and the hardships she overcame are a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Carm Bozzo says, “It’s an unbelievable story. I’ve been at Halton Women’s Place for over 20 years and over that time, I’ve heard a lot of personal stories and I’ve met amazingly strong and courageous women but after hearing this particular story that this woman will share, it was hard to believe that she and her children had to go through such a difficult time, not only with her partner but also with the judicial system.”
A “Moment of Giving” is a 15-minute blitz of dedicated fundraising led by Layne, The Auctionista. Bozzo says, “This is a specific part of the evening where we are raising funds, and we educate the community on how they can help. Bozzo says, “This year the funds raised will be directed to an area of dire need. It’s connected to housing, and we are excited to launch this new program at our gala and are confident that our community will support us.”
An urgent mission
Each year Halton Women’s Place must raise $1.5 million each year to support their shelters, programs, and services. They need to maintain their shelters in Burlington and Milton and ensure counsellors are available 24/7 to women who need them.
This year, more survivors have come forward, eager to share their story of hope, healing and how Halton Women’s Place helped them begin to rebuild their lives. Carm Bozzo says, “It really underscores for me how valuable the work our frontline counsellors do every day in our community. It’s a life-changing opportunity for women to experience the safety and resources that we provide.”
Halton Women’s Place often hears from former clients and survivors who are doing well today because of the support that they were given. Bozzo says, “It takes time, patience, resources, and a lot of hard work and we want other women to know that we are here for them. Who better to hear that from than a woman who has walked in their shoes?”
The Halton community continues to be very generous in its support of Halton Women’s Place. Last year’s gala raised over $380,000. The Crystal Ball Gala is also about raising awareness so that women throughout Halton to know that support is available and easy to access. Carm Bozzo says, “Our goal has always been to have a presence in every community in Halton; to let women who need us know how they can connect. We want women to know that we offer a safe, inclusive space for them, whatever their circumstances.”
The contributions made through events like the Crystal Ball Gala help educate and spread the message that help is available, and Halton Women’s Place is a lifeline to those escaping abuse.
Every dollar raised helps women rebuild their lives, gives children a chance to heal, and educates the community on how to recognize and respond to abuse. When guests join the Crystal Ball Gala, they’re standing with survivors, advocating for change, and ensuring that Halton Women’s Place remains a sanctuary where every woman knows that she is not alone.
Carm Bozzo adds, “This year we invite you to join the Crystal Ball Gala and together we can envision a future free from abuse for women and children. Visit here.
If you need to seek the help of Halton Women’s Place, call the 24-hour crisis lines at (905) 332-7892 or (905) 878-8555 or Chat Online.
