Westmount Presbyterian Church in London, ON is throwing a Black and White gala on Feb. 27 at the Hellenic Centre. Organizers hope the 100-item silent auction and a performance by celebrated jazz vocalist Denise Pelley will make a memorable event.

Westmount Presbyterian Church has had a long relationship with Teen Challenge. In an effort to raise support not only for their own ministries, Westmount Presbyterian also wanted to focus on a local ministry. Rick Walton, Director for Teen Challenge Farm is thrilled to participate in events such as this to raise both awareness of the drug and alcohol problem in our communities, and also to raise funds.

Read the article below that appeared in the Londoner:

Fundraising with a community focus

Upcoming fundraiser will support both Westmount Presbyterian Church and Teen Challenge Farm

Julie Daer had an idea. While attending a charity event not too long ago Mrs. Daer was hoping to hear a performance by famed London singer Denise Pelley.

Sadly for Mrs. Daer, the celebrated jazz vocalist wasn't singing that night.

However, despite her disappointment, Mrs. Daer decided it was time to put together a fundraising event with those same jazz stylings playing a feature role. "I was volunteering at another function and Denise Pelley was there. I thought it would be great to have her come and do a benefit for us."

In this case the "us" in question would be the membership of Westmount Presbyterian Church. The event would become the church's Black and White Night, being held Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Hellenic Centre.

The gala evening will serve as a fundraiser for not only the church, but the work of Teen Challenge Farm as well.

We have a ton of great silent auction prizes, over 100. To have people come out and enjoy Denise Pelley and have a really nice evening. We wanted to take it out of the building. And as a fundraiser it is always better if you think bigger sometimes," says Mrs. Daer, the church's fundraising chairperson. "I would love to raise $20,000. That's my goal, but we will see. We need to sell out, which is 350 tickets. That includes a three-course diner. There is the silent and live auction; we have a real auctioneer coming out to help with items of larger value. And of course there is Denise Pelley. Opening for her is a band called Voice of Reason. It will just be a real fun night."

And although it is a gala night, Mrs. Daer says she wants people to understand what the evening will be about. "Black and White night doesn't mean tuxedos and gowns. It just means no jeans and running shoes. Whatever you would wear for a nice evening out. It is going to be a really, really good evening and raise money for some very worth causes."

As much fun as Mrs. Daer expects the evening to be, it will also be a night that will put a focus on issues of particular interest to both Mavis Currie and Richard Walton. Mavis Currie is the minister to youth and young families at Westmount Presbyterian Church and one of the few youth pastors who are ordained in the Presbyterian Church. Richard Walton is the director of London Teen Challenge Farm.

"Julie has really spearheaded the gala evening; she dreamed this idea up. We wanted to do something to benefit our church because we have really been focused on expanding out building, something we have really needed to do," Rev. Currie says. "But we thought we didn't want it to be just about the church, we wanted to benefit a local charity. And we've had a long relationship with Teen Challenge. We want to reach out into the community and let the community know about our church and about Teen Challenge. This is a growing vision for us. You grow when you let people know what you are all about."

Mr. Walton says he was thrilled when he first heard about the church's idea for the Black and White Night. After all, fundraising – Mr. Walton says – is something Teen Challenge Farm knows a great deal about.

"Julie had contacted our events and outreach coordinator, set up a meeting, and told us what her vision was. I thought it was fantastic," Mr. Walton says. "Teen Challenge is supported solely by the donation of individuals, it isn't government funded at all. The focus is reaching men and women (ages 18 and over) that have addictions, drugs and alcohol. So when we can get support like this, it's really great."

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