CITY CENTRE — A crowd of 300 donned in white attire took over City Centre plaza Saturday night for Surrey Libraries’ inaugural gala fundraiser, raising more than $80,000.
The swanky affair, Surrey Soiree, was modelled after white parties similar to Diner en Blanc in Vancouver, requiring those who attend to dress entirely in white.
The night featured a three-course meal and performances by jazz singer Denzal Sinclaire and quartet The Brandenburg Strings.
“We’re thrilled by the tremendous community support,†said chief librarian Melanie Houlden. “The money raised will contribute significantly to our programs for children and adults who need help with basic literacy. Last year, our programs assisted more than 150,000 people, and in the year ahead we want to do even more.â€
Funds raised will go to the library’s Literacy for Life program.
Major donors included Jas Cheema and former chief librarian Beth Barlow, who both donated $10,000.