The Rhythm and Blooms Gala hosted by the Golden Food Bank took place this past Friday and proved to be a major success, drawing a strong crowd of community members to the Civic Centre. The venue was transformed into a warm and vibrant space filled with soft lighting, fresh flowers, and bright spring colours.
For Monica De, executive director of the Golden Food Bank, the event felt fresh while still honouring a long-standing tradition.
“It’s an annual event, and it’s to raise money for the food bank,” said De. While the timing of the gala has shifted over the years, she said spring felt like the perfect fit this year.
Guests were treated to an impressive selection of food and drinks throughout the evening. Cocktails were served by Salty Dog, while beer and wine were provided by Whitetooth Brewing. The menu featured slow-smoked brisket from Smokehouse 93, a charcuterie cart, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, gravy, cornbread, and desserts prepared by Il Piatto Catering.
Beyond the food and drinks, the evening offered plenty of entertainment to keep the energy high. Musical performances, a funky hat photo booth, and a DJ set helped create a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
One feature that stood out was the “community loom,” a collaborative weaving project where attendees could contribute to a growing tapestry while reflecting on the community through thoughts and prayers. By the end of the night, the finished piece was auctioned off as part of the silent auction.
More than just a fundraiser, the gala highlighted the collaborative spirit of the community. A wide range of local contributors helped bring the evening together, including event planning by Vibrant Events, performances by Curtis Butala, Whiskey Jack, and DJ Sam Schofield, along with the many food and beverage partners involved throughout the night.
Events like this showcase the depth of talent and generosity within Golden and demonstrate how strongly the community supports local causes. The gala welcomed more than 100 attendees, surpassing organizers’ expectations.
“I want to thank all the sponsors and staff and board members, really anybody that helped, and the guests,” said De. “They’re all supporting the food bank by coming here.”
