January is “Alzheimer Awareness Month,” and the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River District has plenty in the works to mark it.
One of the biggest events is the third-annual “Chefs’ Charitable Dinner and Auction,” which is slated for Sunday, Jan. 20 at the Adventure Inn here.
Margaret Schonewille, executive director of the local Alzheimer Society, said plans for that fundraiser are coming together.
Brian Hagarty, who was emcee at the first chefs’ dinner, will be back this year while Lanny Cross of Atikokan will be auctioneer. B93•FM morning host Jenni Condon will be the honourary chef.
There still are tickets left for the dinner, noted Schonewille, adding these are available at the Adventure Inn, La Flambée, Lee Garden, or the Emo Inn, or by calling the Alzheimer Society at 1-800-682-0245.
They cost $50 each (buyers will get a $25 tax receipt), which can be paid for with cash, cheque, VISA, or Mastercard.
The dinner once again will feature a buffet prepared by district chefs, with food donated by area businesses.
Schonewille said some of the details of the menu still are being confirmed, but it is known La Flambée, Emo Inn, Rainycrest, La Verendrye Hospital, Kettles, Lee Garden, Adventure Inn, Circle D Family Restaurant, A&W, Dominos Pizza, KFC, McDonald’s Restaurants, Tim Hortons, Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, Subway, Cloverleaf Grocery, The Place, Homemade in Burriss, and Iris Gogosha all are participating.
Others are yet to be confirmed.
“We ask them to cook their food in their own kitchens, and we would be able to help them after that,” explained Schonewille.
“Each place has been asked, if they want, to send a representative to serve [the] dish, just so the community can get to know who’s behind the walls of the different businesses,” she added.
Any chefs and suppliers who haven’t been contacted by Schonewille, but still want to support the dinner, are encouraged to contact her at the above phone number.
“Give me a call,” she stressed. “It doesn’t matter what their specialty is—if it’s a food item, we’ll be glad to help promote their business in the community.”
As well, any individual or business wanting to donate auction items for the dinner should get in touch with Schonewille, who said she’s open to just about any items they want to donate, whether it’s merchandise, crafts, or even gift certificates.
Schonewille stressed anyone who supports the dinner in any way will get the recognition they deserve.
Volunteers also are needed to help serve dinner. Those interested can call the toll-free number listed above.
< *c>Other events
Meanwhile, the annual “Penny for Your Thoughts” weigh-in is scheduled to take place at Canadian Tire here on Friday, Jan. 18 from 1-7 p.m. and again Saturday, Jan. 19 from 8:30 a.m.-noon.
There will be prizes for the individual and the group that brings in the most pennies (they don’t have to be rolled).
This will be followed by the Linda Johnston Memorial roast beef dinner in Rainy River on the evening of Saturday, Jan 19.
Tickets for that event cost $12 each, which will be available at the Rainy River Record office. Last year, they sold out and people had to be sent away at the door, so get them fast, warned Schonewille.
As well, a fourth-annual book sale will be held at Revco Carpet on Feb. 7-9, though book donors can drop them off there starting Jan. 21.
Schonewille said January also is the perfect time to book her and her husband, public education co-ordinator Rev. Dr. Dick Schonewille, to come and speak to service clubs and other groups about Alzheimer’s disease.
Just call her at 1-800-682-0245.
Proceeds from fundraising events of the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River District go towards further promotion of Alzheimer awareness and education in both districts—not to a provincial or national organization.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
