On Friday, April 25, 2025, over 100 guests joined us at Federation Hall in Waterloo for a truly special occasion — the 10th annual Evening of Elegance, which also marked 15 years of Waterloo Region Family Network supporting families and individuals with exceptional needs.

It was an evening full of style, reflection, and heartfelt celebration.

This milestone event featured the smooth sounds of the Tim Moher Jazz Band and a festive New Year’s-themed photo booth provided by WOW Activation, offering guests the chance to capture lasting memories. The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was Paul Scott, former head of Conestoga College’s Broadcast Journalism program, who brought his 30+ years of experience in radio entertainment to the role. Paul’s warm presence and engaging energy helped set the tone and encourage participation in our always-popular silent auction.

Guests enjoyed delicious tastings provided by the Federation Hall event and catering staff while bidding on an exciting selection of silent auction items generously donated by local businesses. A very special thank you goes to Dave Rutherford and the KW Woodworking and Craft Centre crew for once again contributing an incredible variety of handcrafted items to the auction — their talent and generosity continue to amaze and inspire us.

As part of the night’s program, Executive Director Sue Simpson gave a unique “count-up” presentation, reflecting on 15 memorable years of WRFN. Tables featured shining moments from each year of our network’s journey. Sue’s words of gratitude to donors, board members, partners, volunteers, program sponsors, and community members who have supported WRFN were heartfelt and deeply appreciated. She also paid tribute to founding parents and the families and individuals who make up our network as shining examples of resiliency and hope.

Following Sue’s presentation, Rachel and Wendy Newbery from Stepping Stones Expressive Arts spoke about Canvas for Connection — a three-part art workshop presented in partnership with WRFN. Participants of all abilities engaged in creative expression, and the final artworks will be on display at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery on May 23 from 4–7 p.m. This drop-in event is open to all, and we encourage you to stop by, meet the artists, and enjoy their work.

The evening also celebrated the incredible contributions of WRFN volunteers Kathy Waybrant and Monica Popovici, who were presented with the Matthew MacGregor Award for Volunteerism. As Parent Mentors with WRFN, both women shared personal stories of parenting children with exceptional needs and the purpose they have found in supporting others on a similar path. For more information on this year’s recipients, see below.

We are proud to share that Evening of Elegance 2025 raised a net total of just over $24,000 to support WRFN’s programs and future workshops.

To everyone who made this evening possible — from our guests and volunteers to our donors and community partners — thank you. We are so proud to continue this journey together and look forward to many more years of connection, celebration, and community.

This year, we are delighted to honour two amazing WRFN volunteers—Kathy Waybrant and Monica Popovici—who are both dedicated mentors with the WRFN Parent Mentor program.

We Extend Our Deepest Thanks to All Evening of Elegance Sponsors for 2025
Heffner Toyota generously served as our event sponsor this year. We are also grateful for the support of our other sponsors Melloul-Blamey Construction, TD Commercial Banking, Heartwood Farm and Cidery, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP, Coupal Markou Commercial Real Estate Inc. Brokerage, Your Neighbourhood Credit Union, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc., and Megawire Inc.