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Comedian McCreary headlines Wellies to Wishes fundraiser

April 13, 2016   ·   0 Comments

The seventh annual Wellies to Wishes in support of the Dufferin Children’s Fund through Dufferin Child and Family Services (DCAFS) will take place Saturday of next week, April 23rd from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Orangeville Agriculture Centre. Featured home-grown entertainers will be comedian Michael McCreary and musician Graham Maycock.

Wellies to Wishes, the fundraising brain child of Heather Hayes, supports all three branches of Dufferin Child and Family Services, Developmental Support Services, Child Protective Services and Youth Mental Health.

Heather says the funds help to sustain “activities and opportunities such as youth perusing post secondary opportunities, medical equipment or therapies not covered by government and camp opportunities.”

Comedian Michael McCreary returns from Toronto, where he has been studying with the Second City Comedy Troup, to support the event. Michael was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of five, and one of his brothers is autistic.

Over the years, Michael’s parents, Doug and Susan McCreary have found support and resources at Dufferin Child and Family Services and Kerry’s Place in Orangeville. Michael, who attended Orangeville District Secondary School and says he “started doing stand-up at the age of 13 in an act of self-preservation,” has created his routine around the lighter side of Asperger’s Syndrome.

Eighteen-year-old singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Graham Maycock, also a recent graduate of ODSS, will provide musical entertainment for the evening. Last year, Graham released his debut EP “Words Less Spoken,” with five original songs. Currently, Graham is working with Grammy nominated Darryl Neudorf to produce his next EP.  Graham will perform pop tunes and classic rock, as well as some of his original tunes on April 23rd.

Sponsored by TD, Ideal supply, Devonleigh Homes, BDO, and the Orangeville Citizen, food at Wellies to Wishes will be provided by Lavendar Blue Catering, Black Birch, Rustic, Formage, and the Chocolate Shop.

The event also features experience packages, including the chance to be a radio co-host of a local station; golf packages; a signed Toronto Maple Leaf jersey; Youth Futures and Camp Opportunities. Felix and Ginger Salon will be onsite for a surprise twist, as well as a booth featuring temporary, vintage, botanical tattoos.

Featured artists Nathan Betz, Taylor Ledden, Blythe Gibb, Everist Prokofiev have donated pieces for the traditional auction led by well known and entertaining auctioneer Bob Severn.

“The community has been such a large part of our event as they support us with donations and volunteering on the committee, as well as attendance at the event, and we thank them for their generous support,” said Ms. Hayes. “We are looking forward to another fun and exciting event that will be the talk of the town. Wellies to Wishes takes place Saturday, April 23rd, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Orangeville Agriculture Centre, 247090 Side Rd 5 in Mono.

Tickets are $60 each and can be purchased on line or at DCAFS.

Written by Constance Scrafield

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