Fundraising Report
Bonnechere Authors Festival
The 5th annual Authors Festival was another successful series, raising more than $4,200 for literacy services in Renfrew County. All four evenings were well attended. Historian Charlotte Gray drew a large crowd to hear about the research for her recent book Reluctant Genius, a life of Alexander Graham Bell and his wife Mabel. Those who attended the Mysterious Event in Arnprior enjoyed the wonderful outdoor setting of Gillian and Roger Danby's garden on a summer evening, where authors Mary Jane Maffini and Barbara Fradkin gave a lively and amusing presentation.
The Festival committee is already at work on the 2008 season. Tentatively scheduled are Vincent Lam, 2006 Giller winner for Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures; M.G. Vassanji, two-time Giller winner and nominee for the 2007 Giller and Governor General's awards for The Assassin's Song; Frances Itani, highly praised author of Deafening and 2007's Remembering the Bones; and Sandra Gulland, whose new book will be published in February. The 2008 Festival will hold events in Pembroke (July 9), Arnprior (July 16) and possibly Renfrew (July 30), as well as two in Eganville (July 2 and July 23). Watch for details in the spring.
Swing for Literacy
Literacy Plus held its 4th annual Swing for Literacy golf tournament on September 4 at the Whitetail Golf Club. One hundred and six golfers enjoyed a sunny day, great golf, and an excellent dinner, and had lots of fun in the process. The tournament raised over $3,500 for literacy services.
The day's winning teams were:
- Dave & Elaine Fisher, Jim & Connie Malloy
- Bonnie & Ron Watson, Ken Williams, Lise Clermont
Event winners were:
- Closest to the line (11th hole): Delores Green, Vic DiMico
- Closest to the line (15th hole): Wendy McDonald, George Wilcox
- Longest drive: Lyle Bergeron
- Longest putt: Loretta Enright, Barry Young
- Closest to the pin: Lee Armstrong, Winston Mick
Prize winners in the golf raffle were:
Karen Pleadwell, Dave Fisher, Maggie Lavigne, Bill Jukes, Gus Cammaert, John Shaughnessy, Gail Smyth, Bonita Renaud, Phil Rocco, Cathy Jones, Jim McStravick, Rita Orvington, Ethel Ryan, Ms. or Mr. Robillard, Mike Maloney.
Many thanks to the Board members, staff and students who volunteered time to make the tournament a success. Thanks as well to the many individuals and businesses who donated prizes, and to Board member Ethel Ryan, who collected so many of them. Special thanks also to Brian Shultis for the valet cart service and all the help on the course, and to the Whitetail Golf Club for contributing to a successful day.
Next year's tournament will be held on Tuesday, September 2. Don't miss it!
Raffle Winners
The Literacy Plus Draw was held Friday, October 5. The lucky winners were:
- Michael Runtz Photograph: Lynn Hill, Renfrew, #000028
- Jerome Coulas print: Sharon Jeffrey, Ottawa, #000591
- Maxine Golden Quilt & pillows: Marilyn Panagapko, Eganville, #000235
- Norma Moore Garden Design Consultation: Evelyn Turcotte, Cobden, #000183
Thank you to all who sold tickets and to all who bought tickets.
Christmas Raffle
Art Hein was the lucky winner of the handmade, decorative Christmas stocking generously donated by Marilyn Panagapko. This student raffle raised $125. The proceeds will be used to purchase computer class supplies.