Guests at Reach Child and Youth Development Society鈥檚 12th annual Reach for the Stars Gala helped raise more than $145,000 to help local children with special needs.

Two hundred and fifty guests attended the "Wishes and Wonder" event at Tsawwassen Springs on June 1, including Delta MP Carla Qualtrough, Delta South MLA Ian Paton and Delta Mayor George Harvie.

Through the generosity of attendees and major donor Realco Properties, as well as the support of presenting sponsor Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and platinum sponsor Beedie, the event raised $145,305 to bolster the society鈥檚 ability to help children with developmental challenges, autism and extra needs live their best life.

鈥淥n the surface it may look like a gala is just a night of fun, but the funds raised ensure children relying on programs and equipment from Reach are given the life changing services, equipment and opportunities they deserve,鈥� Reach events co-ordinator Tamara Veitch said in a press release.

Veitch thanked the Reach events volunteers spent months planning the event and gathering donations for the live and silent auctions, as well as the community and staff volunteers who came on board for the evening itself.

鈥淲e are so grateful for everyone who made it possible,鈥� Veitch said.

The Alice in Wonderland-themed gala featured costumed actors from Delta Youth Theatre performing and posing for photos with guests, as well as two songs by Reach family daughter-and-father act Tiana Schellenberg-Hamilton and Chris Hamilton, who received a standing ovation.

Parents Daniel Cameron and Amy Bonner each introduced the first airing of videos outlining their families' respective journeys after their child had received a developmental needs diagnosis.

Other highlights were Tsawwassen First Nation executive Coun. Taylor Baker opening the evening with a heartfelt welcome, Paton's always entertaining fast-talking live auctioneering, and emcee Steve Darling, who injected high energy and a healthy dose of humour to their evening.

Reach Child and Youth Development Society is a non-profit charitable society that has been providing services to children and their families since 1959. Reach currently provides programs and services to over 1,000 children and their families in Delta, 性视界传媒 and Langley every year.

For more information about programs and services offered by Reach, visit .