Duane Hicks
The fifth-annual “Chefs’ Charitable Dinner and Auction” here Sunday evening ended up being successful, raising just under $5,000 for further promotion of Alzheimer awareness and education.
“I thought things went okay,” said Margaret Schonewille, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River District, who admitted the poor weather likely affected attendance.
The dinner, which drew about 60 people, featured appetizers, juices, salad, rolls, potatoes, a vegetable medley, prime rib, desserts, and tea and coffee prepared by chefs from Rainy River District, with food donated by area businesses.
“Everybody commented on the prime rib being perfect,” noted Schonewille.
“The desserts were really, really good and everyone had a chance to taste everything,” she added.
There also was a silent auction and a balloon raffle, with plenty of items donated by individuals and businesses.
“We really appreciated the community. Without them and the wonderful prizes they donated, it wouldn’t have been the success that it was,” Schonewille stressed. Over 70 businesses and individuals donated either food or items to the event.
B93•fm morning show host Christa Pare was emcee for the evening while Dryden musician Lorne Nelson, who was joined by wife, Carol, on a couple of songs, provided the musical entertainment.
Schonewille also gave an update on Alzheimer Society activities in the region, noting the popular Alzheimer Society used book sale will take place at Revco Carpet here on Thursday, Feb. 11 and Friday, Feb. 12 during store hours and again Saturday, Feb. 13 until 1 p.m.
She wants books in excellent condition for the sale, and asked those interested to please drop off their books at Revco Carpet after Feb. 1.
As well, the local Alzheimer Society is now looking to hire a new staff member later this year.
Based on the “First Link” model developed by the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and the provincial Aging at Home Strategy, the “First Link” worker will provide clients with coordinated support, learning and linkages to community services from the point of diagnosis by a medical doctor through to the continuum of the disease.
In related news, Alzheimer Society volunteers held the Linda Johnston Memorial roast beef dinner at the Rainy River Legion on Saturday night—a sold-out event that brought in $2,751.
Meanwhile, the annual “Penny for Your Thoughts” weigh-in at Canadian Tire here this past Friday and Saturday also went very well, noted Schonewille.
A total of 380 pounds of pennies was donated.
The Fort Frances branch of the Royal Canadian Legion brought in 80 pounds—the most pennies for a group—while Garth Lockman donated 65 pounds, making him the top individual penny donor.
Both winners earned themselves assorted candies.
Anyone who didn’t make it to the penny weigh-in this past weekend can bring their coins to the used book sale at Revco next month, noted Schonewille.
Proceeds from all 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.
