Decking the Grace hall with donations

Dec 06, 2012

Photo: Members of the community perused the over 170 items donated for the SFCSC's annual Charity Auction which supports seniors’ programming in the community.

The historic hall at the Grace Centre in Sydenham, the new home of the Southern Frontenac Community Services, was the place to be for many, who on November 30 came out to support the corporation’s annual fundraising auction.

With their checkbooks in hand, over 100 guests settled in for an evening of exciting silent and live auction bidding on an array of impressive items donated by local businesses and individuals. For the price of the $40 ticket, which included a $20 charitable receipt, participants first wined on an eclectic selection of fine locally produced wines and beer courtesy of Casa-Dea Estate Winery and Barley Days Brewery, and then dined on a plentiful and delectable spread of hors d'oeuvres that included artisan cheeses from Cross Wind Farms, the Wilton and Black River Cheese Factories, the Limestone Creamery and artisan breads from Fred's Bread. Desserts included hand-made truffles and chocolates from the Copper Kettle Chocolate Company and desserts from Bread and Butter Fine Pastries. Hot beverages were also served courtesy of Hillside Free Trade Coffee.

This was the first time that SFCS's annual charity auction was held at the Grace Centre and it was indeed a night to remember. Countless tables lining the perimeter of the hall were set up with over 170 donated auction items, which included gift baskets, gift certificates, home baked goods, art works, and a plethora of brand-name household and sporting goods, plus much, much more, giving shoppers a jump start on their holiday shopping. The live auction was performed by Van’s Auction Service. SFCSC executive director David Townsend said, “We're really happy to be holding the event here where we can show off this incredible hall and show people how it is continuing to serve the community in so many different ways. We decided to do things a bit differently this year and decided on a wine and cheese event so that local producers could have a chance to showcase their products as well.” Townsend was pleased with the donations the organization received and said, “People in the community are really starting to understand exactly how our organization is specifically giving back to seniors in the community and have demonstrated that fact by donating very generously to this event.”

All of the proceeds from the event will be put towards supporting the more than 15 different seniors programs that are now run by SFCS out of the Grace Centre, which go a long way in helping seniors to continue to reside independently in their own homes. These services include the Adult Day Services, Meals-On-Wheels, The Diners Club, Friendly Visiting, Caregiver/Bereavement Support, Transportation, Volunteer Hospice Service, Client Intervention and Assistance, Home Help, Foot Care, Respite, The Food Bank, Good Food Box and Financial Support. Townsend said that last year SFCS supported over 625 seniors in their catchment area, which spreads south to Highway 401 and that their goal this year is to increase that number to 700, which they are very close to reaching. Townsend also highlighted the fact that it is these programs that provide a win-win solution for seniors and their families. “By offering these programs we are helping to keep seniors in their own homes where they are happier and can get the family support and community support they need.”

Anyone needing more detailed information about the services that the SFCS offers seniors and others in the community can visit www.sfcsc.ca or call the Sydenham office at 613-376-6477.