Getting wet for a good cause

Antonia Beck, of South Burnaby Neighbourhood House, and Sue Cheung, of Investors Group, are waiting for the deluge as they prepare to head to the Under The Sea Fantasy gala ball to raise money for programs at SBNH.

MARIO BARTEL/NEWSLEADER

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Antonia Beck doesn't swim. But that's not going to stop her from heading under the sea at the South Burnaby Neighbourhoud House's 9th annual Diamond Ball .

This year's gala has an Under the Sea Fantasy theme, complete with a mermaid, a harpist and the liquidy-smooth vocal stylings of Adam Lucas, a Michael Bublé tribute performer.

The annual event is the major fundraiser for South Burnaby Neighbourhood House that allows it to run such programs as community kitchens, homework and friendship clubs, E.S.L. instruction, family nights and computer classes.

"The money we raise can be used wherever we need it," says Beck, who founded SBNH in 1996 as a small social service agency to help immigrants adjust to their new lives in Burnaby.

Today SBNH runs programs for children, youth, adults and families all across the city.

And while most of those programs are put on by dedicated volunteers, many of whom were recipients of SBNH's services and are now giving back, renting space, creating resource materials still costs money.

For some of that Beck looks to the business community.

Sue Cheung, of Investor's Group, says she didn't hesitate when called upon for support. Her company maintains a fund designated for community causes.

"We're an integral part of the city's landscape," says Cheung, who also volunteers as the chair of SBNH's board. "We care about the community."

That kind of support is vital, says Beck. "Business wants to give back to the community."

This year's Diamond Ball will be held Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Firefighters Club. Cocktails are served at 6:30 p.m. and dinner is at 7:30 p.m. There will also be silent and live auctions, as well as a raffle for a piece of jewelry from Trio Diamond and Gold. Tickets are $100 each, or $900 for a table of 10 and can be reserved by calling 604-431-0400.