Annual gala set to raise awareness about and funds for military families

The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) will bring the National Air Force Museum to life through its theme for the 14th annual Invisible Ribbon Gala: “Night at the Museum.”

“Our goal is going to be to bring the museum to life and create a whimsical and magical atmosphere for our guests,” said Amy LeGresley, special events coordinator, Trenton MFRC.

Through vignettes, spontaneous skits, a dinner-theatre setting and character-guest interactions, the evening will bring to life historic Royal Canadian Air Force stories. It will also shed a light on the main purpose of the evening, military families.

“So, our guests will leave knowing a little bit more about RCAF history and military families but in a fun, interactive way,” said Devon Taylor, Communications and Development Coordinator.

The MFRC’s annual Invisible Ribbon Gala raises funds to allow the MFRC to support local military families. This year’s goal is to raise funds for the unexpected needs of military families, from child care to grocery cards, with a focus on youth resiliency and youth and children programming.

“Military families face the unexpected on a daily basis. A family could have the best-laid plans but plans can all change at a moment’s notice based on mission demands. We want to be able to respond to these challenges as they happen. Our goal is to be able to support military families in every possible way we can, when they need the help,” said Tamara Kleinschmidt, Executive Director and military spouse.

One hundred percent of the net proceeds from the gala will go back to serving military families.The Trenton MFRC serves more than 4,400 military members and 7,500 dependants who live in the Quinte region.

“Every day we see military members in our community going out the door but it’s very rare that we recognize or see the families, the spouses, the children, the parents, the grandparents behind those military families, making sure that everything is running smoothly to allow the member to be operational ready and fit to do their duty.

“So, as part of the Invisible Ribbon campaign, we recognize the strength behind the uniform, the strength of the invisible uniform. It’s so important for us as an MFRC that supports the family members to be able to do that when they require our support, regardless of what that support may look like,” said LeGresley.

In 2017, the Invisible Ribbon Gala raised more than $138,000.

This year’s Invisible Ribbon Gala, on Saturday, May 12, will include a locally catered gourmet meal, and a live and silent auction.

The gala will also feature an online auction that will go live a few weeks prior to the event. Visit the Invisible Ribbon Gala for a link to the live auction.

Tickets can be purchased for the Invisible Ribbon Gala: A Night at the Museum at www.invisibleribbon.ca or in person at the Trenton MFRC, located at 50 Rivers Drive East, off of RCAF Road.

For questions or more information contact Amy LeGresley at [email protected].