‘Celtic Connection’ taking shape Library fundraiser promises music, good times for all

FORT FRANCES—Irish eyes will be smiling at this Little Beaver Snow Park this Saturday (Nov. 10) when the Fort Frances Public Library’s “Building for the Future” campaign holds its “Celtic Connection” fundraiser.
Starting at 6:30 p.m., the event promises to be an evening filled with food, fun, and Celtic tunes courtesy of the Mud Lake City Boys (Jim Avis, Jim Newman, Bill Shine, and Bill McEvoy).
“The chef is in place for putting together the stew, the Guinness is already available, the band has been practising their Celtic tunes, and volunteers are coming forth to be involved in that evening,” said campaign chair Mark Kowalchuk.
“We’re quite excited about how it’s going to go. It’s something different,” he added. “I think everybody’s ready for an evening of live music and great food at a great cost.
“I’ve had to be out of town for a couple of the other events that have gone on for the library, but I’m making a point to be there Saturday,” Kowalchuk continued. “I’m looking quite forward to it.
“I know we have some folks who travelled in Ireland last year who’ve already got their tickets,” he noted. “They’re going to be there sharing memories from their trip amongst themselves and participating in the evening.”
Tickets cost $15 each, which are available at the library.
“There are still tickets left, but we have a limited number of 100 and they are going quickly,” noted Kowalchuk. “I would encourage people to get their tickets before Saturday.
“I believe we will be sold out.”
Kowalchuk said those who attend should bring a little extra pocket money, as there will be a penny auction.
“We’ve got some wonderful handmade gifts and some other items—they pretty well all have an Irish theme to them,” he remarked.
Another reason to bring some more money—$50 to be exact—is to buy a ticket for the “Building for the Future” elimination draw. Kowalchuk said he’s hopeful the tickets will be ready for Saturday.
A total of 1,000 tickets will be sold for $50 each, with 20 prizes eligible to be won.
The draws all will take place Feb. 23 during a fundraiser evening at the Memorial Sports Centre auditorium (this date has been changed from Jan. 12 due to a slight delay in the lottery licence application process).
It is called an “elimination raffle” because every ticket will be drawn. Tickets will be drawn in batches of 50, with the 50th from each batch winning the prize allocated for that batch (the winning ticket and the 49 before it will not be included in the next batch).
With 20 prizes up for grabs, that means 20 batches of 50 tickets will be drawn over the course of the evening.
The prizes will range from $10,000 to a 32” LCD TV, laptop computer, gold chain, leather recliner, a home theatre system, and a Nintendo Wii.
Meanwhile, the “Building for the Future” fundraising campaign for a new library in Fort Frances so far has raised over $429,000—more than halfway to its $750,000 goal.
Those wanting to support the new library fund directly with donations are encouraged to act sooner than later.
People can look at a five-year commitment when giving (whether they give it all at once, right up front, or whether they spread it out) and to donate what they feel is feasible or possible for them based on that criteria.
Payment options, like Mastercard, VISA, or automatic deductions from your paycheque, are available.
All donations over $25 will be issued a tax receipt.
Those who want to give should call the library at 274-9879 or drop by in person to get a pledge card.
(Fort Frances Times)