Heather Latter
The second-annual fall wine-and-cheese fundraiser gala at the Fort Frances Museum, held there last Thursday night, was deemed a success by organizers.
“We are very pleased with the way our fundraiser gala went,” enthused Duane Hicks, president of the Friends of the Museum, which hosted the event.
“The music, the food, the atmosphere, the fibre art, and the people who came out to enjoy all of these things—they all added up to make for a perfect evening,” he remarked.
The event featured delicious cheese and hors d’oeuvres, prepared by local chef Mark Nagant, a chocolate fountain, dessert, and coffee/tea, as well as a wine bar and non-alcoholic punch.
Entertainment was provided by the Rainy Lake Community Orchestra, conducted by Joe Belanger, as well as fiddler Shannon Darby, accompanied by Wayne McIntyre.
There also was a silent auction, featuring items donated by local artists and crafters, and a trivia game, where people had to match old newspaper advertisements with the date it was published.
In addition, the evening highlighted the travelling “Threadworks” exhibit, which this year follows the theme of “Water,” as well as the first-ever Fort Frances Fibre Art Festival, which showcases the work done by local residents.
As well, Jeremy Hughes, the museum’s digital records developer, was on hand to demonstrate a system he’s devised to photograph, catalogue, and archive more than 100 years of newspapers—a task he has taken on to revolutionize how the Fort Frances Museum is able to access local historical information.
Hicks said more than 50 tickets were sold for the event, but they probably had more than 75 people in attendance, including volunteers and musicians.
“We’re still crunching the numbers but may have grossed $2,754,” he noted, citing they still have some expenses to cover.
“We would have liked to have seen a few more people attend, but I’m happy those that did attend had such a good time,” Hicks stressed.
“I have received only positive feedback; and that started even before people were leaving on Thursday evening, straight through the next day, and even now, days afterward.
“Hopefully, those people that did enjoy themselves will tell their friends, and bring them along to our fundraiser gala next fall, which will be even bigger and better,” he added.
Hicks thanked all of those who attended and showed their support for the museum, as well as those who donated silent auction items and door prizes.
He also acknowledged all of the volunteers who made the event run as smoothly as it did.
Hicks also made sure to thank those businesses that donated everything from food, advertising, and napkins to the use of wine glasses, all of which helped keep event costs as low as possible.
They included the Fort Frances Times, Canada Safeway, Sysco Canada, Super One, La Place Rendez-Vous, and local chef/caterer Mark Nagant, who prepared much of the food for the evening along with “Friends” member Judy Kielczewski.
Hicks indicated the Friends of the Museum, which has been around for more than two years now, is raising funds to pay for extras that fall outside the museum’s annual operating budget.
“These could range from arts- and culture-related workshops for community members to enjoy and learn from to printed rack cards to advertise the museum to tourists across the region and in the U.S.,” he explained.
While the “Friends” has not spent much of the funds raised up to this point, the group is planning to do so in the near future and will keep the public apprised as to how those dollars are being used, Hicks added.
“Friends” also are looking for new members to join. Being a member costs $2.
Once you’re a member, you can acitvely be a part of the board.
They usually meet the first Wednesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at the museum.
Alternately, you can help out behind the scenes, and be put on a list to be called upon when volunteerrs are needed to help out at special events, bake goodies, etc.
Looking ahead, the “Friends” will be serving hot cocoa and cookies, and bringing the Fort Frances Choraliers to sing in the museum courtyard, on Saturday, Nov. 30 as part of the “Festival of Frost” activities.
“We had Diane Maxey and her singers come out the past two years, and they have been a real treat,” said Hicks.
“Nothing says Christmas like sound of gathered voices singing familiar holiday tunes,” he added.
For more information on becoming a Friend of the Fort Frances Museum, call the museum at 274-7891 or e-mail sgeorge@fort-frances.com
