The Emily Brydon Youth Foundation and Island Lake Resorts are teaming up with the Art and the Mountains Collide on the Divide fundraiser December 3.

In September of 2015, the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation (EBYF) held its tenth annual fundraiser, a fun and spirited golf tournament at the Fernie Golf & Country Club. Although it was a successful and well-known event, and attracted generous support from the community and beyond, the EBYF board decided to move towards different types of fundraising and social gatherings that would have wider reach, create excitement and bring people together while continuing to raise much needed financial support to allow EBYF in its cause – supporting the youth of the Elk Valley.

The first fundraiser organized was the EBYF Summer Social held at Cirque Restaurant in July, 2015, in collaboration with Fernie Alpine Resort. Live music, appetizers, socializing, Ice Bar tours, silent and live auctions, this event saw over 60 people in attendance and raised $11,500 – a fantastic result for its first year.

For the second event, Emily and her team were interested in hosting a decadent evening in one of Fernie’s most spectacular settings showcasing some of Canada’s leading artists.

Emily met with Mike McPhee at Island Lake Lodge, who was immediately interested and behind the event. She also approached Tara Higgins, a well-known Fernie artist, to help procure the artwork. To date, the donating artists include Denise LeMaster, Paul Reimer, Angela Morgan, Tara Higgins, Laura Nelson, Patrick Markle and Michael Hepher, whom have all produced work which will be auctioned at this event, entitled An Evening of Magic: Art & Mountains Collide on the Divide.

Held on December 3, Art & Mountains Collide on the Divide includes a beautiful three-course dinner with wine pairing at Island Lake Lodge, including a cat ride to and from the lodge, followed by a Live Auction of Canadian Art as well as a day of catskiing for four at Island Lake with Emily. Not only will this evening be one to remember, and a great way to kick off the holiday season in style, it is an important fundraiser for the foundation.

The EBYF has put back $401,000 into the Elk Valley through over 91 applications that have been submitted by youth or their parents. Since June 1 of this year, it has already allocated $42,000. Applications are on the rise, indicating that the need for financial support continues to grow. From art classes to gymnastics, poetry seminars to big mountain skiing, the programs supported are as varied as those applying.

The evening is $350 per person, with options to purchase a table or stay over night. For more details, visit Emilybrydonyouthfoundation.com or call Island Lake Resorts at 250-423-3700 to reserve your space today.

“It will be an unforgettable night and a fundraiser to ensure the foundation can continue to make a difference, invest in the youth of the Elk Valley, creating a legacy for the future.” ~ Emily Brydon

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