The Grande Soirée
Monday, June 15th, 2009The May 11th 2009 Madagascar School Project Benefit Dinner and Silent auction was the hottest ticket in town. In fact, tickets sold out and people were being turned away. How inspiring it was to be in a room of spirited people united by a common cause. With such ‘do-good’ energy, I felt that if they asked, we could have given the children of Sekoly Lovasoa the moon. All were having a grand time whether they were nibbling on the assortment of hor d’oeurves, were listening to the talented harpist Ian Hepburn, or were joining the busy kids at the children’s table. The auction table which featured many Malagasy handicrafts as well as contributions from local artisans drew much admiration and favourable comments. With epicurean delights such as shiitake mushroom, Riesling and chicken ragout and salad of baby field greens with green goddess dressing, many diners returned for seconds. The evening was a celebration of the year’s accomplishments.
Silent Auction Item
At the first 2008 dinner, all Kathy had to show the audience was a plot of land and dreams. This year’s presentation was a photo essay of dreams becoming a reality. The plot of land now has several buildings and more importantly has become a center for impoverished children to flourish. Kathy also shared how the school has positively impacted the community by providing employment, revenue for local stores, and professional immigration. Most significantly, the children have become the mediators of change. They are learning English and are now teaching it to their families as well as to how to read and write. To all who have contributed time, energy, and money to make the dream a reality, be proud of yourselves. Together we have made a significant contribution to this world. Based on what we have already accomplished, imagine where we can go. Sky’s the limit. We are changing the future, one child at a time.
Kathy Presenting
We tip our hats to…
The dinner was a great success. Over $6500 was raised. Many thanks are owed to the following locals who also contributed to the auction table: Gill Strudwick, Clive Bebbington, Jacqueline Milner of Imagine-ine Photography, Ruth Stanton, Jillian Hogan, Levac Apiaries, Auld Kirktown Craft and Gift Shoppe, and the Lancaster Dairy Queen. Many thanks to those who spent Friday afternoon readying the hall for this auspicious event. You know who you are and you all did a fantastic job. You are going to be hard pressed to outdo yourselves next year. As in 2008, a standing ovation is once again due to Chef Julia Graham and the students of the Hospitality and Tourism program at the Glengarry District High School. Talk about children helping children! The food was fantastic. Professional restaurateurs couldn’t have done a better job preparing for 180 plates. I suspect people will want to come to next year’s dinner if only for the food. Thank you to Ian Hepburn for providing the lovely background music. Thank-you to the MC Warren Everson guiding the evening activities. How can I forget the technical perfection of Barry Lucking. Barry put together the captivating video presentation and only he could make head or tails of that rat’s nest of wires behind the podium. Now would be a good time to mention that Barry is Kathy’s husband and is the rock she and the MSP depends on. How many loving husbands would be willing to sacrifice their time with their wives for strangers on the other side of the globe? Here’s to Barry. Cheers!