The annual Highland Youth For Christ (HYFC), held this year at Orangeville Baptist Church, had around 230 attendees from the community out in support of the HYFC programs that operate year round.

“I would say that we had a fantastic evening, the entertainment was enjoyed by all, said John Walkinshaw, Manager of Orangeville Honda and Vice-Chair of HYFC. “The feedback has been extremely positive from everyone that attended.”

The Valentines Banquet is second biggest fundraiser for HYFC after the annual golf tournament held in June.

“”I’m quite pleased, we’re set up for almost

300 and we know we have more than 200 so that’s a good representation from the community and good support, it’s great,” said HYFC Executive Director Ann McCallum of the turn out for the dinner. “Rather than doing a fundraising dinner where we’re asking people for a lot of money we thought we’d like to put on a night of entertainment.”

Tickets to last Friday’s event came with a night of good food and entertainment. Singer, songwriter and comedienne Kelita along with George Perreira provided the entertainment.

“It’s a good evening out, we put it as close to Valentine’s Day as we can and people can kind of use that as an excuse to give money to our charity as opposed to going out for dinner elsewhere,” said Mr. Walkinshaw. “The work that we do with the youth is something that they feel is valuable in our community, and in turn they’re willing to support it by coming and being a part of that evening.”

Ms. McCallum said the ticket sales go directly to the general fund in support of the expenses

20,250 of The Door and other community programs throughout the year. Attendees also had the opportunity to support NEW! the staff of

HYFC who fundraise their salaries separately 2011 Honda VP Ridgeline from the general

32,500 fund.

Mr. Walkinshaw says the night also had a fair bit to do with the event sponsors, that because theyNEW! know that there would be a lot of people attending the event, and the event represents the good work being

37,500 done in the community, their sponsorships virtually cover all expenses before a single ticket is sold.

NEW! “Most of our sponsors do that as a courtesy, not so much to get advertising,” he says. “They do it mostly to give back to the community.”

This year’s big event sponsors were Orangeville Honda, The Orangeville Citizen, R.J. Burnside and Associates, Muskoka Woods Sports Resort, Quest Steele Inc., and Carter and Associates Law Firm. Desserts and beverage sponsors were Dods & McNair Funeral Home and Chapel and Speedy Auto Glass.