It was an amazing night of music and reflection on a serious issue.
In the end, organizers say the charity event raised money at a level never seen before in North Bay for a one-day fundraising event.
CHAT4CHAD’S 2nd Annual Gala Fundraiser rocked Canadore College’s Aviation Hangar on Saturday, with a sold-out crowd of over 400 people and posted "a record-setting amount of money raised."
Wade Ringler, CHAT4CHAD’s Founder and Chad’s brother, was humbled by the support.
“My family and I are blown away by the support that the North Bay community has shown for mental health support. While we are still calculating the final amount, we can safely say that we raised $225,000 - making it the largest single-day fundraiser in North Bay’s history," said Ringler.
"This brings the total amount raised by Chat4Chad to just under $400,000 since we founded Chat4Chad 14 months ago."
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Guests arrived on the red carpet and were greeted by a live jazz band as they entered Canadore’s Hangar which had been transformed into a party venue.
Following a meal provided by Churchill’s, and both a silent and live auction, partygoers listened as Wade Ringler captivated the crowd with his heartfelt and poignant talk on mental health and the support that CHAT4CHAD has already provided to those suffering mental health challenges in North Bay.
"It was silent and deeply powerful as 400+ people raised their arms - adorned with Wi-Fi controlled bracelets – that changed colour along with Wade’s discussion on mental health," says a release.
The night ended with dancing to both a live band and to DJ Kyle, and guests were treated to a New York Deli experience at the midnight buffet, courtesy of Chef Bryce Williamson.
To top it off, 100 per cent of bar profits for the night were donated to CHAT4CHAD by Churchill’s, which significantly helped in raising this unprecedented amount of money.
CHAT4CHAD is an initiative funded in the wake of Chad Ringler’s suicide in January 2023. Chat4Chad aims to bring awareness, resources, and funding to those experiencing mental health challenges in North Bay.
The organization's goal is to carry on Chad’s legacy and remove the stigma associated with mental health.
For more information visit www.chat4chad.ca