Duane Hicks
Now only a week-and-a-half away, the menu continues to grow for the local Alzheimer Society’s fourth-annual “Chefs’ Charitable Dinner and Auction,” which is slated for Sunday, Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. in the Adventure Inn ballroom here.
Margaret Schonewille, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River District, said Monday the menu definitely will increase between now and then as there are seven or eight donors she still has to touch base with.
But so far it includes for appetizers roasted tomato and goat cheese bruschetta as well as spinach and artichoke wonton crisps (by Gropp’s Catering of Kenora), as well as assorted pizzas (Dominos).
This will be followed by an Oriental Thai salad (a medley of spring mixed greens and fresh Oriental vegetables, topped with chow mein noodles, mandarin oranges, and a homemade sesame dressing), courtesy of Lee Garden.
Before the entrée, Kettles Restaurant will be serving up a yet-to-be determined soup while the CC Complex will provide tomato juice. Dough & Deli will provide the dinner rolls.
The entrée will include seared green beans and roasted peppers (Gropp’s Catering), cabbage rolls (Iris Gogosha), roasted garlic and herb mashed potatoes (Kettles Restaurant), and Greek chicken (chicken breasts filled with feta cheese and spinach over a bed of sun-dried tomatoes and black olive soulis) courtesy of La Flambée.
There also will be a dessert buffet featuring pies (Circle D Restaurant), ice cream cake (Dairy Queen), a fruit tray (Canada Safeway), Black Forest cake (Home Made in Burriss), a yet-to-be-determined dessert (Emo Inn), cookies (Subway), and Timbits (Tim Hortons).
Patrons also should know the dinner format has been changed from the buffet-style used the past two years and returned to the plated meal served up in the inaugural year.
In addition to the meal, there also will be a silent auction, raffles, games, or other means of raising funds in a fun way.
As well, the fundraiser will feature musical entertainment by Faye Flatt and comedy skits by a group of local Legion ladies.
Schonewille said there still were some tickets left as of Monday afternoon. Costing $50 each (which includes a $25 tax receipt), they are available at the Adventure Inn, La Flambée, Lee Garden, and Emo Inn or by calling the Alzheimer Society at 1-800-682-0245.
As well, Schonewille said any chefs, restaurants, or caterers who want to participate in the dinner are encouraged to call her at the above number.
Anyone wanting to donate auction items (handmade or otherwise), as well as prizes or food, can call that same number or e-mail Schonewille at alzheimers@kenora.com
All sponsors get recognition for their participation.
Last year’s “Chefs’ Charitable Dinner and Auction” here raised just under $5,000.
Other fundraisers
That same weekend, the Alzheimer Society will hold its annual “Penny for Your Thoughts” weigh-in at Canadian Tire here on Friday, Jan. 23 from 2-9 p.m. and again Saturday, Jan. 24 from 8:30 a.m.-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—one for a group and one for an individual.
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” raffle. Tickets for the former cost $12 each, and still are available at the Rainy River Record office, while tickets for the latter are available at the Rainy River Record office, the Legion, Peterson’s Store in Bergland, and Rainy River Drugs, as well as from Alzheimer Society volunteers in the Rainy River area.
They cost $2 each or three for $5.
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 an RRHS graduate.
Finally, the local Alzheimer Society also is looking for area shutterbugs to contribute photos to its next cash calendar.
Schonewille said she is looking for pictures that showcase the Kenora and Rainy River districts. There is no payment or prize if your photo is used, but you will receive credit for it and your photo will be seen by everyone who buys a calendar, which according to Schonewille includes people not only elsewhere in Canada and the U.S. but around the world.
The deadline for photo entries is Tuesday, Feb. 17. The calendar will be put together, printed, and ready for sale in April.
To find out how to get an entry form to submit your photo, call Schonewille at 1-800-682-0245 or e-mail her at alzheimers@kenora.com
