L’Arche Comox Valley’s Harvest Hootenanny is an event that draws a crowd. And boy did it ever this year with tickets selling like hot cakes flyin’ off a steamin’ hot griddle. The sold-out event, held at Christ the King Parish, brought old and new friends together to visit, enjoy a great meal and support a good, local cause.
A Delectable Twist
While Fiddlejam’s talented musicians set the mood with some classic tunes, the most delicious moment of the night was the dessert auction. After dinner, sweet treats created and donated by local vendors and home bakers took the spotlight. And while the desserts looked so good that they could sell themselves, former mayor Larry Jangula put on his auctioneer hat to ensure each dessert went to the highest bidder.
“Year after year the Dessert Auction is so much fun,” says Melissa Webb, member of the Hootenanny Event Team and Dessert Auction Lead. “People started talking about dessert before they even got to their dinner,” she says with a smile.
And thanks to the big-hearted, sweet-toothed guests at the event, the auction raised more than $4,200 all by itself.
Fun That Supports Confident and Connected Lives
“We need to fundraise a portion of our operational budget every year,” says Hollee Card, L’Arche Comox Valley Community Leader & Executive Director. Hollee explains that the funds raised help to provide living support for people with diverse abilities. Donations also support community social programs including art, music and gatherings, not just for L’Arche core people but others living in the Comox Valley in home share, at home and on their own. L’Arche events and activities are open to people living with and without disabilities.
Special Shout-Outs
“We are fortunate to have the support of so many local businesses, organizations, families, and individuals,” says Hollee. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the backing of our community.”
“There are so many people to thank after such a great event. Our volunteers worked so many hours,” says Hollee as she starts to count on her fingers, “selling tickets, setting up the venue, cooking, serving, decorating, cleaning up… you name it and we probably had someone volunteering.”
L’Arche also sends a special shout-out to the following vendors that donated their products, services, and/or made cash donations this year to the Hootenanny.
Thanks also goes to Andrena Koch-Schulte of Royal LePage-Comox Valley for having a special Hootenanny ticket giveaway. “One of the things L’Arche is regularly working to advance,” says Hollee, “is awareness in the Valley of those living with intellectual disabilities. Our mission is to make their gifts known, and we work daily to create a community where peoples’ differences are celebrated, where you are welcomed as you are.” Andrena sharing L’Arche in her workplace creates greater awareness in the Comox Valley.
Learn more about L’Arche Comox Valley at our website. If you’d like to know more about L’Arche events and activities, subscribe to our monthly newsletter or see our activity guide.
