A night of music, hope and community spirit awaits at the Building Hope Gala Concert, featuring renowned Canadian artist Jann Arden and others at Surrey's Bell Performing Arts Centre Sept. 28.
Raising funds for a second affordable housing initiative by Options Community Services and the Habitat Housing Society, the initiative follows the success of their first purpose-built, mixed-income housing development, Habitat@81st, completed in December 2023.
Located at King George Boulevard and 81st Avenue, Habitat@81st offers 100 rental units for women fleeing violence, refugees, seniors, at-risk youth and others facing barriers to affordable housing. The first two floors are dedicated to various community services.
Kelly Gomez, a resident at Habitat@81st, expressed her gratitude for the housing provided by Options. "Finding a home through Options for myself, my husband and my four children was a gift from God. We were days away from being on the street, a place I had been before and had never wanted to go again," Gomez says. "I wanted more for my children than what I had growing up, and therefore this home is a blessing."
“The Building Hope Gala Concert is the signature fundraising event for our second affordable housing build,” says Options Community Services CEO Christine Mohr. “As with our first build, the support of caring, generous individuals and community is critical to bringing the dream of affordable housing to more individuals and families. Your support through purchasing tickets will build a foundation of security, hope and belonging for people in need of a safe, reliable home.”
Headlining the gala is multi-platinum, award-winning singer-songwriter Jann Arden. With 15 albums and 19 top-10 singles, Arden's music has resonated with audiences for decades. Her most recent album, Descendant, was released in January 2022.
Joining Arden on stage are Twin Flames, a husband-and-wife duo known for their powerful blend of genres, languages and instruments, merging folk with rock ‘n’ roll, and Ranj Singh & The Discriminators, whose unique fusion of vocals, 12-string guitar, sitar, bass and electric violin promises an eclectic musical experience.
The evening-long event features:
- 6 p.m. – VIP ticket holders' reception (valet parking/private entrance)
- 7 p.m. – Main doors open / premium ticket holders' reception
- 7:30 p.m. – Theatre doors open
- 8 p.m. – Concert & live auction
The event will be hosted by Nira Arora, on-air host and executive producer at 94.5 Virgin Radio, with a live auction conducted by Howard Blank, CEO of Point Blank Entertainment.
VIP tickets have already sold out, so be sure to secure your tickets soon at tickets.bellperformingartscentre.com to be part of this extraordinary night of music and giving. Show your support at the Building Hope Gala Concert and help make affordable housing a reality for more families.