Monday, August 30, 2010

Garage Sale Mania

Over the weekend, Monica and I drove to the Midland/ Wasaga area to visit my Aunt Lynn who was holding another garage sale to raise funds for the orphanage. It’s the third sale she’s hosted with the help of some other family members.

To date, she’s raised over $700 doing it. Her goal is to raise $1,000. There’s no question, she’ll reach her goal. I think she’ll surpass it.

So, how does this work? Well, friends and family have donated all kinds of stuff they don’t need or want anymore; children’s clothing, fishing tackle, books, kitchen stuff, etc. And then she puts on a garage sale. When she’s all garage saled-out, she’ll haul everything to a charity store. So, it’s a win-win. She’s doing another one in September, so if you’re in the area, please do stop by.

The $700 she raised is already enough to pay for a year of school for one of the children.

The best part is that she is coming to the orphanage with me in January, so she can meet first-hand the children she will be helping to put through school.

I’m so blown away and so grateful for all of my aunts and family – Lynn, Barb, Judy, Susan, Nancy, my grandmother, my mom, Tammy, David, Jeff, Gary and everyone else who has been helping to make this happen.

Thank you!

Friday, August 13, 2010

The quest for the perfect space

The team working behind the Ugandan Orphan Education Fund has been toying with the idea of holding a special event in November – something that would become a signature event of sorts to look forward to every year and raise funds.

For this year, we are planning a very special concert with a group of youth with very big voices. Along with the choir, we will be hosting a silent auction (the quest for raffle prizes is also on, so let me know if you have an idea or something you would like to contribute).

Right now, to make all of this possible, we need a venue. Something that’s not going to break the bank and has enough space for a small concert and a cocktail reception. Ideally, we’d love to have a sound system in place and if we are lucky enough, we’d even have chairs. The natural fit seems to be a church. But, we’re turning up some dead ends in being able to find space available on or around Nov. 13.

Do you have any suggestions on where we might find a venue suitable for this event? Drop me a line or leave a comment here. All suggestions welcomed!