High Tea and Fashion Unite to Fund Affordable Housing Project

Options Community Services is hosting a unique event combining high tea, fashion, and entertainment on October 5, 2024, to raise funds for affordable family housing in the South Fraser Valley. Following the successful completion of the Habitat @81st project, which provided 100 units of mixed-income apartments in Newton, the organization is now focused on a new initiative in North Surrey.

With over 50 years of service, Options Community Services has become a vital resource for the local community. The non-profit employs more than 600 staff dedicated to a variety of programs, including employment support and initiatives for newcomers and women escaping violence. Recognizing the growing challenge of housing affordability, the organization has prioritized housing as a key element of its work.

Creative Fundraising for a Critical Cause

“The need is acute – our clients have told us this is their No. 1 issue, so we’re answering that need,” said Ginny Hasselfield, Director of Development at Options. The organization has completed its previous housing project in partnership with Habitat Housing Society, culminating in a memorable fundraising concert featuring Canadian artist Jann Arden.

The upcoming event, titled “High Tea & High Fashion,” promises a delightful afternoon filled with high-tea-inspired treats, a live auction, and a fashion show that fuses South Asian and Western styles. Proceeds will support the construction of 70 units of two- and three-bedroom affordable family housing.

“Non-profits don’t have extra funds or in-house expertise for building like this, so we have to contract out, and our pre-development costs are around $500,000,” Hasselfield explained, emphasizing the importance of community support.

Join the Celebration at Empress Palace Ballroom

Guests are invited to don their finest attire and join the festivities at the Empress Palace Ballroom in Surrey. The event begins with a champagne reception from 13:00 to 14:00, followed by high tea service and a showcase of stunning fashions from designer Sandeep Chohan, known for his handcrafted garments that blend traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern design.

Entertainment will feature comedian and mentalist Randy Charach, whose performances have garnered praise for being “incredibly funny” (Chicago Tribune) and “jaw-dropping” (New York Times). The afternoon will conclude with a display of creative designs by Davi Bains-Gill, whose work encompasses custom gowns, lenghas, and couture attire for all sizes.

Tickets for this engaging afternoon are priced at $150 each or $1,200 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased or donations made at highfashionandhightea.ca.

Additional sponsors are welcome to support this vital cause. Hasselfield expressed gratitude to current sponsors, including Schmunk, Gatt, Smith & Associates, the Surrey Now-Leader, Entertainment magazine, Drishti magazine, the Surrey Board of Trade, Fortis BC, the South Surrey and White Rock Chamber of Commerce, and the Feminine Fellowship Outreach Society. For more information on how to get involved, interested parties can contact Ginny Hasselfield at 604-813-6409.