As you may know, I joined the Chai Lifeline Canada team at the beginning of this year. While I was familiar with the important work that Chai Lifeline does for families affected by illness before I began working at Chai, I truly grasped the impact at an event which took place in April. 
Night of Her Life was an event in memory and celebration of Ramona Blinick for what would have been her 40th birthday. I was deeply moved by the amount of love, emotion and gratitude which filled the packed room of over 400 friends and family.
I never had the pleasure of meeting or knowing Ramona, yet I found myself overwhelmed by the legacy she left behind. Her devoted husband and close friends created an event in celebration of what would have been her 40th birthday. A fundraising event which would give back to two meaningful charities that held a special place in Ramona’s life, Chai Lifeline and Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
As a member of the Chai development team, I worked at the event. Every single person all from different parts of Ramona’s life that walked up to where I was standing, glanced at my name tag and commented, “Wow! Chai Lifeline…Amazing organization!”
The work of Chai was impactful, not just to Ramona and her husband and children, but to all those that knew Ramona. Chai continues to offer support, relieve stress, and create fun opportunities for Ramona’s children through many programs, family events and trips. I realized while at this event, Chai Lifeline is not just the here and now, Chai works to help the big picture. A picture that includes building new memories with the old, and promises to shed some light of happiness.
As friends and family danced the night away to some of Ramona’s favorite tunes, there was a positive energy that filled the entire room.
I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the organizers that saw this event to its fruition. Their efforts for this event in support of Chai allow us to continue doing the important work in our community, helping families like the Blinick’s, continue to smile.
What an amazing way to celebrate a life, to mark an occasion and to bring a community together to give back. Night of Her Life really was a Night of Her Life.
Tracy Zepp is the Manager of Development and Communications at Chai Lifeline Canada. For any fundraising opportunities or event inquiries, please contact Tracy at [email protected]
