El Santo has set its sights on reaching the Major Junior Leagues – and its success at the recent Reveal Gala will help it get there.
The New Westminster restaurant is a huge supporter of the Canucks Autism Network, holding an annual fundraiser at the Columbia Street eatery and supporting the charity in other ways during the year. El Santo participated in CAN’s Reveal Gala on Feb. 1 at Roger’s Arena.
Alejandro Diaz, owner of El Santo, said the restaurant was thrilled that someone attending the gala bid $20,000 on an eight-course pairing dinner for 24 people.
“All those funds will go straight to CAN,” he said.
CAN provides programs for individuals with autism and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across B.C. and beyond.
“Our goal is to keep raising money so we can reach $100,000 by 2021,” Diaz said.
El Santo is currently in CAN’s Junior League, which is for individuals or organizations that have donated $10,000 to $99,999, but it’s hoping to make it into the Major Junior League, which is for those contributing $100,000 to $999,999.
The Reveal Gala featured a vintage circus-themed evening that included music, magic and circus talent under the “big top” in Roger’s Arena. The event raised $1.022 million to support children, youth and adults with autism and their families in British Columbia.
