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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, February 29, 2012 · 14 Hard Hats and Halos to bolster Walls of Hope By John Bkila OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF An Oakville-based nonprofit organization that helps renovate, customize and decorate homes for families in need is holding its second annual gala fundraiser for its upcoming projects this year. "The gala is meant to help raise the money needed to fund our 2012 projects, which include two major home projects and four rooms, as well as to help raise awareness of our group," said Allison Lane, director of marketing at Walls of Hope and chairperson of the gala, along with the organization's founder Sera Manseuto. A local mural artist, Manseuto founded Walls of Hope in 2005 as a way to use her experience in, and love of, painting and interior design to "pay it forward" to those in need of a second chance. Currently in its seventh year, the organization has helped make over the homes of more than 11 families -- across Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Mississauga and Brampton -- and the headquarters of four public service organizations in the healthcare field, including the Halton Trauma Centre. "We look for families that have fallen on hard times... for example those who may have children with disabilities and can't afford cost of care, or families who have lost parents, or single mothers," said Lane. "We basically, in a nutshell, provide a helping hand up... we go in renovating the interior and exterior to help make the homes a brighter place." In the last few years, the organization has also helped some families find jobs, reassess their mortgages and con- Sera Mansueto nect them with the social services and resources they may need. "I think the difference between our cause and others out there is... we are 100 per cent funded by individuals helping us out and money coming in through our fundraisers," Lane said. "We don't have paid staff or big advertising dollars, it's all through word of mouth and the Walls of Hope experience." The second annual Hard Hats & Halos Gala is set for Thursday, March 1 at the Oakville Conference Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Rd. This year's gala will have celebrity speakers Bryan Baeumler, Oakville resident and host of HGTV's Disaster DIY, HGTV interior designer Stacy McLennan, and Igor from TV's Restaurant Makeover. A cocktail reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. The evening's entertainment will include silent and live auctions, door prizes, an ice bar and signature drink, and a photo booth, as well as entertainment by Canadian awardwinning musical artists Crash Parallel. Tickets for the gala cost $125 and can be purchased by calling 416-844-9241 or by e-mailing info@ wallsofhopecanada.org. Ticket sales end Feb. 29 and will not be available at the door. Volunteers and donations are always welcome -- for information contact Mansueto at sera.sunrise@sympatico.ca or visit http:// wallsofhopecanada.org. Elimination Draw & Dance Saturday March 3 , 2012 Doors open at 8 pm ­ Draw begins at 9 pm Operating Engineers Club, 2245 Speers Road, Oakville rd Tough time to plan for a funeral The right time is now A great evening of entertainment... Your ticket (only $25) provides you with: Admission for 2 to the dance A fabulous Live Band ­ The Descendants Light buffet Cash Bar A ticket to the elimination draw with prizes totalling $3,500 A grand prize of $2,500 (last ticket in the barrel wins) You do not have to be present to win ­ winners will be notified Sponsored by the Oakville Kinette Club All proceeds to support worthwhile causes in our community including: "Give Respect - Get Respect Campaign" Bullying Awareness and Prevention Halton Regional Police Service Even when it's expected, death comes as a shock to those left behind. But you can help your loved ones by pre-planning your final arrangements. · Final arrangements your way · Peace of mind for your loved ones · Saving of thousands of dollars in rising costs Planning ahead offers you: Ask about our limited time offer: SAVE 10% Start making your plans today by contacting: Contact Arlene Gray or any Oakville Kinette to buy your ticket! 905-467-3287 kinettes@oavkvillekin.org kinettes@oakvillekin.org Lottery Licence #M638301 Glen Oaks Memorial Gardens 289-813-1166 or glenoaks.ca