On October 24th, Cyrus Centre hosted its 20th Anniversary Coming Home Gala, an evening filled with warmth, connection, and a sense of shared purpose. Guests from across the community gathered at the Clarion Hotel in Abbotsford to reflect on two decades of supporting vulnerable youth, celebrate the journey so far, and look ahead to the work still to be done. Here’s a recap of the night, capturing the highlights and special moments that made it an unforgettable celebration.
A Welcoming Start
The evening began with a warm welcome as guests arrived at the hotel and were escorted to the ballroom. From the very beginning, there was a palpable sense of excitement, heightened by the thoughtful decor of a ‘Walkthrough’, which gave attendees a peek into how Cyrus Centre brings youth home.
Once everyone was settled in, the “What is Home” video opened the night, beautifully capturing the theme of what home means to different people. It set the tone for what was to come, and the responses from staff showed that the meaning of home resonates differently for each of us.
Setting the Scene
Mitch Burrows, Board Chairperson and MC, then took the stage to welcome everyone and introduce the dignitaries in attendance. Mike Bullett of ACLN led the room in prayer, grounding the evening in reflection and gratitude. With housekeeping updates shared, the guests were ready to begin the night’s proceedings.
Cyrus Centre Staff Trevor and Henry introduced the auction and the balloon buying initiative—a fun and unique way for guests to get involved. The energy was infectious as people got ready to support Cyrus Centre’s mission in a meaningful way. It became clear that this was going to be a night not only of connection but also of fun.
Reflections on Cyrus Centre’s Journey
Guests were taken on a journey back to where it all began with the “Origins” video. It was a touching reminder of how far Cyrus Centre has come, from its modest beginnings to becoming an essential pillar of support for vulnerable youth in the Fraser Valley.
Following the video, Shawn Zacharias introduced one of the co-founders Les Talvio, who offered words of encouragement, sharing heartfelt reflections on the importance of the work that Cyrus Centre continues to do.
Stories from the Heart
One of the highlights of the evening was the panel interview featuring Cyrus Centre staff. Through these shared stories, guests were given an intimate look into the lives and experiences of those at the forefront of supporting youth in need. It was a powerful moment that brought to life the impact of the work being done and reminded everyone in the room why their support matters so much.
Closing Moments & Words of Gratitude
As the evening continued, attendees watched a video on Cyrus Centre’s Transitional Housing program, showcasing the transformative difference that stable housing can make in a young person’s life.
The newly appointed Executive Director Matt Loewen then introduced one of the co-founders Joyce to deliver the final address, closing the evening with heartfelt words of what the hope for the next few years could be – expanding the Abbotsford Centre and other looking forward dreams. These were followed by a final blanket auction.
The gala wrapped up with expressions of deep gratitude—to attendees, sponsors, volunteers, and staff, whose dedication and contributions made the night possible. Guests were invited to mingle and collect their auction items, marking the end of a beautiful evening of shared purpose.
A Celebration of Community
The night was filled with laughter, hope, and celebration. As one attendee put it, “The decor and theme were first class from the moment we walked through the door… Thanks to the panel who shared, it was a great peek into the heart of Cyrus Centre.”
Another expressed, “The event was so organized, and you could see all the thought and planning that went into it.”
We look forward to the next chapter, continuing to create safe spaces for youth and making a lasting impact in our community. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and supported our cause. Here’s to the next 20 years of hope, resilience, and community.
