Cornerstone For Women Foundation

Applause Party: A Joyful Celebration  

A sell-out crowd of 300 came together at the Ukrainian Hall on May 3 for the Cornerstone Foundation’s Applause Party. It was a joyful celebration of two accomplishments: the completion of the new building at 314 Booth Street and the success of the Journey of Hope campaign.  Many guests donned their finest construction clothes; hard hats were very evident as well as paint clothes and overalls in keeping with the theme, Hard Hats and Helping Hands.  

Guests first enjoyed a reception and conversation with friends and colleagues.  A silent auction of six pieces of art donated by Gerald Kerr, Rev. Mavis Brownlee and Jennifer Dale Judd prompted brisk bidding and by the end of the evening had raised in excess of $1300.  Tickets for twenty Mystery gifts, donated by local businesses sold for $20 each. During the reception, entertainment was provided by the a capella junkies, a quartette of the Capital Chordettes. 

Dinner with a quasi-construction site menu was catered by The Foodery. The appetizer was served in Chinese food boxes and much of the main course on planks. In tables of ten, guests had very animated conversations with their friends.  There was a real buzz in the room, an indication that people were having a good time.  Entertainment during dinner was offered by Tim Piper and Friends.

The program was chaired by Rev. Mark Whittall.  Speakers included Bishop John Chapman; Catherine Chapman, Chair of the Applause Party committee; Peggy Lister, Chair of the Cornerstone Foundation Board of Directors, and Carol Burrows, Chair of the Capital Campaign.  

It was Carol’s pleasure to announce the status of the campaign goal.  To a drum roll, she held up a sign and repeated the number: as of May 3, the campaign goal had been surpassed at $2,360,218. The announcement brought joyous applause. 

We are grateful to the many sponsors and donors who contributed so generously to the Party, enabling the Committee to fulfill its commitment to transfer over $30,000 to the campaign.  

 The Mayor joins the party

Twenty guests assembled for the first Rooftop Tea on the balcony at the Somerset West Community Health Centre on Thursday, July 29.  These donors came to see first hand the progress on the building. It was an ideal location for them to hear Carl Lepage, Site Supervisor from the Morley Hoppner Group (building contractors) to explain the construction process from preparing the site for the demolition of the former Loeb store to the third floor of the new building. He answered a number of questions, indicating the interest that donors had in hearing about where their gifts are being spent. Thanks to the SWCHC who were our very generous hosts. 

 The guests listen intently to Carl Lepage (on the right in the black shirt and trousers) describe the construction details.