United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island (UWCNVI) had record-breaking attendance with over 700 teens at their annual all night movie fundraiser at Galaxy Cinemas on Friday, Oct. 9.
This was the tenth year United Way hosted their annual Starlight Film Festival, a major fundraising event in Nanaimo.
“Last year we had 600 teens attend, and because this year Starlight was on the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend, we were expecting attendance to drop,” said Gillian Tidey, Resource Development Associate with United Way.
“It took a little longer than expected to get all the teens through the door, but overall a very successful event!”
“I have participated in the Starlight Film Festival for several years now and I’m impressed with how this event has grown and how both the teens and volunteers look forward to it,” said Sue Lauman, volunteer. “It’s rewarding to see volunteers who have attended as teens return as volunteers.”
Tickets were $20, and teens spent a fun and safe night at the movies. The event featured six movies (all rated up to 14A), XBOX, soda, popcorn and pizza for high-school teens.
The event raised over $14,000. Proceeds will help fund local programs in the Central Island, Comox Valley and Campbell River region. United Way funds a variety of programs for teens, including a youth suicide prevention program, in-school mentorship programs, an anti-bullying program, children who witness abuse support program and a teen centre for skills building and recreational activities.
