2024 FUNDRAISING GALA FOR CONSERVATION HALTON

An evening to raise funds for the blue spaces that sustain, inspire and connect us

THANK YOU

Thank you to all our guests for joining us for an incredible evening that celebrated our vital blue spaces. Your support allowed us to raise over $280,000 for major stream, creek and wetland restoration projects! Your dedication and generous contributions will enable us to carry out initiatives that will improve the long-term health of our watershed and benefit our communities for years to come. View our photo gallery here.

MAKE A DONATION

Water is essential to life, and it flows in abundance across our region. From the upper reaches of the Niagara Escarpment to the shores of Lake Ontario, freshwater systems have shaped the lands that we conserve and steward in our watershed. These blue spaces are an integral part of Conservation Halton’s “greenprint”, supporting local biodiversity and giving our communities access to the planet’s most precious natural resource — to sustain, connect and inspire.

On June 13, 2024, the Conservation Halton Foundation will host its sixth annual fundraising gala at Kelso Conservation Area. The Blue Gala will bring our supporters together and help us raise funds for the blue spaces that contribute to healthy watersheds, and that connect people with nature through learning and recreation at our parks.

THE EVENT

JUNE 13 | KELSO, MILTON | 6PM

The Blue Gala invites you to enjoy an immersive, outdoor experience at Kelso Conservation Area. Surrounded by natural beauty at this scenic Conservation Halton park, guests will enjoy refreshing cocktails, a distinctive menu that showcases the finest and freshest local ingredients, and live musical performances by talented musicians. The event will also feature a 50/50 raffle and silent auction!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

ADAM VAN KOEVERDEN

Adam van Koeverden is the Member of Parliament for Milton, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Sport, and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. He is also one of Canada’s most celebrated athletes, having won four Olympic medals—the most by a Canadian paddler.

A first-generation Canadian, Adam grew up at Chautauqua Co-op in Oakville with his younger brother and mother. He joined the Burloak Canoe Club as a teenager and rapidly became one of the country’s premier athletes, taking home the bronze medal at the 1999 World Junior Championships. Adam went on to represent Canada at four Summer Olympic Games, winning one gold, two silvers and a bronze. As the country’s only double medallist at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Adam was named Canada’s Athlete of the Year.

In addition to being a world, Olympic, and Canadian champion paddler, he has volunteered extensively for organizations like Right to Play, WaterAid, Special Olympics Canada, and the David Suzuki Foundation. Before entering politics, he also served as Chair of the Canadian Olympic Athletes’ Commission and was a member of the Government of Canada Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport, promoting safe sport and addressing gender-based violence. Adam is a leading public speaker who has spoken to tens of thousands of students at schools in Halton and across Canada.

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT

DRUZIE MUSIC

"Druzie" is husband and wife Andrew and Suzie's name combined, which is just as sweet as the music they make together. Having played both together and separately in many venues around the world, their professionalism and talent will fill every room with beautiful music, and be the perfect backdrop to any event.

SUZIE MCNEIL
Suzie has enjoyed the success of more than 15 Top 20 Canadian hits, singing backup for P!nk on her North American tour, performing for corporate clients consistently for 15 years in Las Vegas, and has shared the stage with Nashville's The Loving Mary Band, performing with Steven Tyler on his solo tour.

ANDREW MACTAGGART
Sharing the stage and supporting some of North America’s biggest artists, Andrew has been a sought after guitarist for over 15 years. His studio work has reached platinum album status.

DARRYN DE SOUZA

With 20+ years as a professional musician, Darryn has experienced the music industry from multiple viewpoints. He’s toured with three 75+ show North American tours that included highlights like Symphony Tours and celebrity guest spots from around the continent.

Serving as Music Director for international vocal group The Tenors, Darryn has performed alongside or on shared bills with many legends like Paul Anka, David Foster, Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Harry Connick Jr., Kenny G, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Stevie Wonder, to name a few. He has performed for many world and creative leaders, including Barack & Michelle Obama, Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, and the late HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

Darryn is also an educator and a Music Theatre leader that has pioneered vocal and theatre programs, championing creative programming and mentorship through music.