With Sunday, Jan. 25 only a little over a month away now, plans are shaping up the local Alzheimer Society’s fourth-annual “Chefs’ Charitable Dinner and Auction.”
Margaret Schonewille, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River District, said the fundraiser will be held at 5 p.m. at the Adventure Inn ballroom here.

As in previous years, it will feature gourmet food prepared by chefs from the district, with food donated by area businesses. But beyond that, some aspects of the event will change to keep it fresh and give it “a real facelift,” noted Schonewille.
For example, the evening will not feature a live auction but will have a silent auction instead, along with some new raffles, games, or other means of raising funds in a fun way.
The fundraiser also will feature musical entertainment by Faye Flatt and comedy skits by a group of local Legion ladies.
As well, the dinner format will change from the buffet-style used the past two years and return to the plated meal served up in the inaugural year.
Schonewille said any chefs, restaurants, or caterers who want to participate in the dinner are encouraged to call her at 1-800- 682-0245.
She added while many aspects of the fundraiser have been worked out, the menu still has not, and that the public should expect to hear more details about it around the first week of January.
As in past years, this fundraiser cannot be a success without the support of local businesses and individuals. Anyone wanting to donate auction items (handmade or otherwise), prizes, or food can call Schonewille at 1-800-682-0245.
All sponsors get recognition for their participation.
Schonewille said tickets have begun to sell, but there are some left—adding they make great stocking-stuffers.
Costing $50 each (which includes a $25 tax receipt), tickets are available at the Adventure Inn and La Flambée, or by calling the Alzheimer Society at 1-800-682-0245.
Last year’s “Chefs’ Charitable Dinner and Auction” here raised just under $5,000.
That same weekend, the Alzheimer Society will hold its “Penny for Your Thoughts” penny weigh-in. It will run at Canadian Tire on the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 23 and again Saturday, Jan. 24 until about noon.
People are encouraged to bring in their spare pennies (rolled or not) and have them weighed. Prizes will be given out to those with the most copper.
As well, the second-annual Linda Johnston Memorial Dinner (formerly known as the Rainy River Alzheimer Society Dinner to Remember) will be held in Rainy River on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 24.
The frequently sold-out roast beef supper will be held at the Rainy River Legion again this year, and also feature the popular “Chairs for Charity” auction. Tickets cost $12 each, which are available at the Rainy River Record office.
Proceeds will go to the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River District.
Donations also will be accepted for the Linda Johnston Memorial bursary, which is given out each year to RRHS graduates.