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Annual Wellies to Wishes fundraiser set for Saturday at Mono Centre

April 15, 2015   ·   0 Comments

It’s that time of year again, when Dufferin residents will dress in their finest, and slip on their most fabulous Wellingtons this Saturday evening for a night of fantastic food, classy drinks and incredible experiences at the sixth annual Wellies to  Wishes fundraising event.

“We are thrilled to be hosting our sixth Annual Wellies to Wishes,” said Jennifer Moore, Executive Director of Dufferin Child and Family Services (DCAFS). “We have some incredible one of a kind experience packages available as well as original pieces of art. Our community, local artists, businesses and caterers have been very supportive.”

The event, which includes both a live and silent auction, is used to help support the Dufferin Children’s Fund, which provides additional supports to improve the lives of children, youth and families who receive services from DCAFS.

Wellies to Wishes draws out DCAFS supporters, local community business and service representatives and members of the community for an evening of food, beverages, and the opportunity to show off their stylish, funky and suave wellies.

The idea was inspired by Heather Hayes of DCAFS in 2010, when she decided to present a concept of a fundraiser that was different than any type of event the area had seen before.

In an interview with the Citizen in April 2013, Ms. Hayes said, “It just was an idea that struck me years ago when I was out running one day. I remembered seeing a program called William’s Wish Wellingtons, and the main character wished on red rain boots, so I thought we could do something better.”

The Dufferin Children’s Fund is an important part of the services DCAFS provides, and focuses on three specific areas: youth futures, which involves supporting youth in their educational pursuits and life goals; child and youth development through assisting kids/youth to get actively involved with art, music or sports; health and wellness by assisting children and families with the purchase of medical devices.

Both the silent and live auction portion of the event feature many interesting, unique and desirable items that have been donated by local businesses, artists, individuals and groups. This year’s auction has seen donations from local artists Jim Lorriman, Taylor Ledden, Katherine Thomson and Ken McGhee.

There will also be a number of Experience Packages, which will be auctioned off by auctioneer ‘extraordinaire’ Bob Severn. Some of these packages consist of: a day in the life of an air traffic controller, with lunch at Pearson Airport; lunch at the Terra Nova Public House with Terry O’Reilly; A Golfer’s Dream foursome at both Lake Joseph and Rocky Crest Gold Club, amongst others.

Something new this year is the partnership of The Dufferin Peacemakers Guild and Wellies, which will provide event goers with the opportunity to become an artist by assisting with the creation of a quilt.

“We are pleased to announce TD as the presenting sponsor and, BDO, Camp Mansfield and MyFM 101.5 as our silver sponsors, Royal LePage, Investors Group – Michael Goodfellow, Cowan and Orangeville Insurance are bronze sponsors and Hockley Beer and Orangeville Citizen are our supporters.” said Heather Hayes, Chair of the Wellies to Wishes Committee.

Wellies to Wishes will be held this Saturday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at the Mono Community Centre in Mono Centre. Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased at Dufferin Child and Family Services, 655 Riddell Road or online at www.dcafs.on.ca.

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