The Yellowknife Community Foundation is thrilled by the resounding success of our 2015 Forever in our Hearts Gala. This year’s gala, with its ‘Love is in the Air’ theme, was held February 14 in Yellowknife. (“Diavik Diamond Mines, Crossworks Manufacturing Sponsor Yellowknife Gala” by Jeff Miller – Rapaport)

“Our sixth annual gala has shown us once again that Yellowknife is a generous and caring community. Thanks to all involved, the event raised well over $65,000 helping the Foundation support many individuals and community organizations through scholarships and grants,” said Yellowknife Community Foundation President Charles Dent.

The event was attended by over 165 people who dined, danced, and were entertained by local band The Committed. Throughout the evening, attendees placed bids on over 30 items donated for silent and live auctions, and participated in the Diavik diamond raffle.

“Diavik is passionate about operating safely and sustainably, and one aspect of operating sustainably is to support the communities in which we work. This is why we created the Diavik Community Scholarship Fund and why we partner with the Yellowknife Community Foundation,” said Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. President Marc Cameron. “Our fund will ensure that northerners continue to benefit from Diavik long after we stop operations,” he added.

This year, Diavik announced it has added $77,900 to its Community Scholarship Fund. The Diavik Community Scholarship Fund was created in 2013 and Diavik has donated $137,900 to the fund since its inception. The 2014 donation will allow the fund to increase the amount and number of scholarships it provides annually. In addition to the scholarship donation, Diavik donated $5,000 for the gala and, in partnership with Crossworks Manufacturing, donated a one carat Diavik diamond valued at $17,000.

Long-time northern residents and Foundation supporters Chris and Terena Robb were this year’s diamond winner. “The Yellowknife Community Foundation is very close to our hearts. We have close ties to some of the Funds, and were thrilled to win the diamond. It was a great way to cap off the evening,” said Terena Robb.

“We greatly appreciate the continuing support of our Title Sponsor, Diavik Diamond Mine, our Champion Sponsors, Crossworks Manufacturing, Advanced Medical Solutions and First Air, and the many other community-minded businesses and individuals who support the gala every year,” said Yellowknife Community Foundation Gala Chair Tom Hall. “Diavik believed in the gala right from the beginning, and has contributed to its success every year through its financial contributions, its partnership with Crossworks Manufacturing to provide the spectacular diamonds for the diamond draw, and through its employees who donate their time by volunteering,” he added.

“To host an event this unique takes a great deal of planning and many dedicated people. The gala committee worked hard for months to organize the event, and a host of additional volunteers helped behind the scenes to provide an unforgettable evening of fine dining, entertainment, fun and excitement in a most elegant setting.”

In existence since 1993, the Yellowknife Community Foundation is the leading philanthropic organization in Yellowknife. A registered charity, the foundation was formed in 1993 to provide residents (and former residents) with a means of supporting projects in our community for the enduring future. The foundation is not singularly dedicated to any specific area of support. It embodies a simple concept – that people working together can make a difference. Donations are placed in carefully managed funds. The funds will continue to have an impact long after the original gift is made. Donations to the foundation are eligible deductions for income tax purposes.

For more information contact Yellowknife Community Foundation President Charles Dent at (867) 445-3368, or visit www.yellowknifecommunityfoundation.ca.

The Diavik Diamond Mine, located 300 km. northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is a Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. (60%) and Dominion Diamond Diavik Limited Partnership (40%) unincorporated joint venture. DDMI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto plc of London, England, and Dominion Diamond Diavik Limited Partnership is wholly owned by Dominion Diamond Corporation.

For more information contact Doug Ashbury, Adviser Communications at (867) 669-6500 ext. 6525, or visit www.diavik.ca.