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The business model seems like a no-brainer today. Yet years ago, when the concept was first launched, it was a game-changer. W. Brett Wilson showed us the way. He would host a huge party on the grounds of his Mount Royal home. He would supply all the food, libation and entertainment. There was not a set ticket price. Invited guests were simply to bring a meaningful cheque payable to the charity or charities which Wilson had chosen. Simple yet so very effective as this type of fundraiser had not previously been done. Over the years, Wilson’s garden party has raised millions of dollars for myriad charitable organizations.

The 2019 Garden Party, held June 24, raised more than $503,000 for 11 charities focused on adolescent mental health. As well, $10,000 was raised for the United Way of Calgary and Area, Child and Youth Mental Health Initiatives by attendees tweeting the #OMGP hashtag during the event. Charitable organizations receiving various funds from the event included: The Calgary Counselling Centre; The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation; Hull Services; Potential Place Society; Wood’s Homes; CINIM; The Canadian Mental Health Association; Distress Centre; Kids Help Phone; USAY; and Calgary Silver Linings Foundation.