Summer Fund Raisers
Literacy Plus had a busy but very successful summer of fundraising events. We are grateful to the volunteers, community members and local businesses who gave us so much support.
Bonnechere Authors Festival
The 6th annual Bonnechere Authors Festival hosted five first-class authors who drew new attendees in Pembroke, Renfrew and Arnprior, as well as our core supporters who always come to Eganville (and who gamely travelled around to the other locations. “Hometown” author Sandra Gulland drew a large crowd to St. James Church, where she not only read from her new book Mistress of the Sun but also demonstrated the intricacies of 17th century dress. Elizabeth Hay also filled the hall in Renfrew, reading from her Giller-winning Late Nights on Air and talking about her writing life.
The five events netted a spectacular $7,000 to support our literacy programs. None of this could be achieved without the generous support of the authors, and the hours of work given by volunteers to planning and putting on the events. A sincere thanks to authors Phil Jenkins, M.G. Vassanji, Frances Itani, Sandra Gulland, and Elizabeth Hay. Particular thanks also to past and present Board members Doyne Ahern, Gwen Storie, Rosemary Cammaert and Barbara Dubé, and to Gillian Danby for the use of her lovely garden.
Swing for Literacy
Golfers at Literacy Plus's 5th annual Swing for Literacy golf tournament braved the exceptional heat on September 2 to enjoy some friendly competition and a full turkey dinner to raise over $3,500 for Literacy Plus. Special thanks to the organizing committee, Rosemary Cammaert, Giles Doth and Phil Butler, and the many volunteers who gathered raffle prizes and helped out at the event, as well as to the Whitetail Golf Club. Next year's date is set for Tuesday, September 8, again at the Whitetail Golf Club.
Barbecue at the Caves
Caveman Chris Hinsperger of the Bonnechere Caves kindly made the caves and grounds available to Literacy Plus for a barbecue on August 13.
The evening was an opportunity for Literacy Plus to make itself known to local businesses in a friendly, informal atmosphere. Literacy Plus staff, volunteers and participants mingled with local business people over a supper of hotdogs and hamburgers. The $7 admission included a tour of the caves for those interested. Although the primary purpose was networking, the event also raised $450 for Literacy Plus. Thanks Chris, and board volunteers Rosemary Cammaert, Barbara Dubé and Linda McLaren.
Yard Sales
Joyce Gutzeit and Maxine Golden raised net proceeds of $866 through various raffles and yard sales held this year. These funds have been contributed to the purchase of many items to improve life in the office and computer classrooms: two new computer chairs, a printer/scanner/photocopier, a new fridge, new blinds for the front windows, a new bathroom sink and cabinet, and miscellaneous tools and supplies—all much needed. Thank you Joyce and Maxine!
KI Donation
KI in Pembroke generously donated two large file drawer cabinets to Literacy Plus this fall. The cabinets give us tidy storage for the boxes of records we are required to keep for several years. Mike and Lorna Felske picked the cabinets up. Sue, Marie and Pam, along with Pam's daughter Kaylee and her friend Savannah, spent a Saturday morning relocating boxes and removing the temporary wall that enclosed the former storage area. Staff are pleased to have more room in the back office and better access to materials in storage. Thank you KI and volunteers.