The seventh annual Grand Prix Gala for the Langley School District Foundation was a success from an equestrian and fundraising point of view.

The June 3 event at the Thunderbird Show Park raised $51,000 as guests sampled hors d'oeuvres and local wine, and watched a horse jumping competition.

The money will go to support learning in Langley schools.

"The foundation has identified four areas of focus for 2012 and 2013," said executive director Susan Cairns.

Helping keep kids in schools is a top priority, Cairns said. The foundation aims to help those who are both having trouble and doing better than average.

"There are many ways we can help," said Cairns. "We continue to support state-of-the-art technology, athletics, leadership programs, at-risk students, fine arts, literacy, special needs and trade programs. And proceeds from this year's gala will go towards the purchase of programs, especially designed to help students who are struggling in math and numeracy."

Many students struggle when it comes to math and numeracy, said Cairns, so the proceeds from this year's gala will go towards buying Do the Math kits.

"Now students who have fallen behind will be given a chance to catch and keep up," said Cairns.