Building Community: A Special Evening with Hon. Graydon Nicholas

In celebration of L'Arche Saint John's 20th anniversary, we are pleased to announce that planning is underway for Building Community, our annual gala fundraising event, taking place on Sept. 10, 2025, with Honourable Graydon Nicholas, a Wolastoqey Elder, lawyer, judge, and advocate for Indigenous rights and reconciliation, and emcee Michael Sadavoy on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025 at Delta Hotels by Marriott Saint John.

Reception begins at 5 p.m. and three-course dinner at 6 p.m. A silent auction will be featured.

Tickets are $140 each or a table of 10 for $1,300.

As L’Arche Saint John seeks to grow its inclusive mission in support of adults with intellectual disabilities, we invite you to join us.

This very special evening will feature an opportunity to hear more about the Honourable Graydon Nicholas' contributions and lasting impact.

Graydon is a Wolastoqey Elder, lawyer, and judge from Tobique First Nation, best known as the first Indigenous person in Atlantic Canada to earn a law degree. He became New Brunswick’s first Indigenous provincial court judge in 1991 and later served as its first Indigenous Lieutenant Governor. A lifelong advocate for Indigenous rights and reconciliation, he continues to inspire future leaders.

Our emcee for the evening is Michael Sadavoy. Michael is the Director of Membership and Business Support at the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce. With decades of experience in media, sales, marketing, and broadcast communications, he brings a strong focus on connection, community, and strategic partnership to all that he does.

Well-known local artist Lana Langille will be creating a live painting during the evening to be put up for auction at the gala dinner.

A silent auction will be featured.

An annual gala event in support of L’Arche Saint John, Building Community attracts a sold-out audience of more than 400 people from the business, government and non-profit communities in the region and across New Brunswick.

We hope you’ll join us for another spectacular evening.

To request an invoice, email us at [email protected].

If you have questions, please contact Wayne Cooper at (506) 636-0615.

Accessibility note:

The Delta has a wheelchair accessible entrance via the parking garage on King St with elevator access up to the mezzanine level. There will be an accessible and gender neutral bathroom available. ASL interpreters will be present at the event. Please indicate if you would benefit from ASL by answering the questions in the checkout process, or by emailing [email protected].

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Delta Hotels by Marriott Saint John, 39 King Street, Saint John, Canada