Back-to-back foodie fundraisers in Sydenham

Nov 24, 2011

by Julie Druker (with files from Wilma Kenny)

Photo: VisionSoup organizers Leslie Reade and Josey Steele with two of their volunteers Lily Chubaty and Clare Cook

Two well-attended fundraisers took place in Sydenham last weekend.

The first was on Nov. 18 at the Sydenham Legion by Southern Frontenac Community Services (SFCS) staff and the Sydenham Legion Ladies Auxiliary. The Legion ladies served up a 100-person turkey dinner that was completely sold out.

Those who missed the dinner had a chance to participate in the live and silent auction that followed, which included a line-up of gift items donated by individuals and businessesin the local area and Kingston. Auction goers had a chance to bid on a Schwinn bicycle, Avon products, chocolates, a trolling motor, artwork, jewelry, theatre tickets, multiple gift certificates and much more.

The auction alone raised $5000, an increase of 32% from last year’s event and together with ticket sales, the event raised close to $6,000. Proceeds will go to the SFCSC seniors programs, which include an Adult Day Program, transportation and foot care services, bereavement counseling, and more.

The second fundraiser took place the following day on Nov. 19 at the Grace Centre in Sydenham, the new home of SFCS.

Close to 150 gathered the 8th installment of VisionSoup, which has become for many an annual Sydenham event heralding the beginning of the holiday season.

Organized by Leslie Reade of Sydenham Veterinary Services and Josey Steele of Sydenham Chiropractic, and staffed by their friends and family, the lunch raised $3,000 this year, which is being divided between the Loughborough Christmas and Emergency Fund, and Southern Frontenac Community Services. The Grace Centre was crowded with lunchers comparing soups from a selection of over 15 varieties donated by various restaurants, individuals and groups. Some took small helpings so they could sample two or three soups; others settled for a big bowl of a favourite. Sheldon Cooke reprised his role as bowl-washer, so everyone had a clean bowl to take home, chosen from ceramics donated by artists Tim De Rose (of Wilton Pottery) Susan MacCrae, Sue Lyon, Maggie Jean Gray and June Lang.

The ticket also included coffee and an assortment of desserts, courtesy of Colebrooke Kitchen. Twenty red-shirted volunteers assisted in serving the soup.

Leslie Reade and Josey Steele were thrilled with the turnout this year. It was the second time that the event has been held at the Grace Centre, which is the perfect location to hold the event due to the large seating space and the full kitchen facilities.

I spoke to SFCSC executive director David Townsend and board chair Joan Cameron, who were in attendance at both fundraising events

“We really have an easy time of it with events like VisionSoup since the organizers have their own team of volunteers to do most of the work,” Joan said. “We make sure we are here to help out, but for us, it’s a pretty easy thing.”

The Grace Centre project continues to boost the fortunes of SFCS.

“It's wonderful to watch the changes that are taking place here and it’s put us in a very visible place in the community”, Joan said.

“We have been able to increase the number of seniors that we serve by more than 20% and the new space allows us not only to expand our current programs like Meals on Wheels but also to consider offering new programs like a hot meals program as well,” David added.

SFCSC has just received an $80,000 Trillium grant that will assist in the ongoing renovations at the centre, which will include upgrading the heating system. The Grace Centre seems to be meeting all of the corporation’s requirements and then some.

“The staff are very happy here and they have put a lot of work into getting the building to the stage that it is at now and as we move ahead we look forward to eventually relocating all of our programs and staff to the new building,” Joan said.

The next special event the SFCSC will be holding will be a heritage event; a wine, cheese and cake reception at the Grace Centre celebrating its 150th anniversary and the building’s recent transformation to the SFCSC's new home. The event will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 5 – 8 p.m. and will include special guests the Rev. Malcolm Steinburg, Wilma Kenny, Mayor Gary Davison and David Linton. Local musicians Sharon and Mark Alton and friends will entertain with traditional Christmas songs.