Brooklin group encourages residents to open their hearts Hearts of Durham's charity of choice this year is Children's Aid Foundation Parvaneh Pessian ppessian@durhamregion.com BROOKLIN -- Members of Hearts of Durham are busy preparing for their gala this spring, raising funds for an important cause in the community. The Brooklin-based volunteer organization is hosting its ninth annual gala, Rock the Kasbah, on May 10 in support of the Durham Children's Aid Foundation. "Hearts of Durham is much more than a community volunteer group," says founding member Sian Gibson. "Over the last nine years, we have supported six Durham-based charities and have raised over $650,000 through various initiatives." Established in 2005, Hearts of Durham is composed of 10 local women who support one charity per year based on priorities across the region. Organizations the group has contributed to in the past include Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre in Oshawa and Herizon House in Ajax. This year, they are embarking on a fundraising campaign for the Durham Children's Aid Foundation, which is dedicated to bringing people and financial resources together to improve the lives of children and youth. "We ask local charities to submit their proposal and detail how they would invest the funds that we would donate to them," says Hearts of Durham member Kelli Preston. Once the list of possible charities is narrowed down, representatives from each one are asked to provide a 30-minute presentation to Hearts of Durham members before a decision is made. "We choose the charity that means the most to the group and also has 100-per cent support from each Hearts of Durham member," says Ms. Preston. "We are committing many hours of our limited free time and it's essential that each girl believes in our charity of choice." This is the second time Hearts of Durham has supported the Durham Children's Aid Foundation -- the first time was in 2009. Funds provided to the foundation are directed to several key areas, including post-second- ary bursaries, summer camp subsidies, access to organized sports, and counselling. More than 440 guests will be treated to a Moroccan-themed gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions, and entertainment at the gala, which will be held on Saturday, May 10 at Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facility in Ajax. "This year, we have the opportunity to support our local kids who are in the greatest need," says Ms. Preston. "The Hearts girls challenge Durham Region to stand up and support our community by coming out on May 10." Tickets for Rock the Kasbah are available at www.heartsofdurham. com durhamregion.com The Citizen April 18, 2014 3 BROOKLIN -- Members of Hearts of Durham, a Brooklin-based volunteer organization, are planning a gala event this spring in support of the Durham Children's Aid Foundation. The group of 10 women has helped raise more than $650,000 over the past nine years for various local initiatives. Working on their plans on April 2 were, from left, Kira Keast, Jacquie Platton, Leslie McLean, and Kelli Preston. ryan Pfeiffer / Metroland