Casino strike forces rescheduling of Battle of the Hors D’Oeuvres
Whether it’s canapés versus crab puffs or bruschetta over blooming onion in a tastebud tangle, they ’ve all been left in a warming tray with the postponement of The Battle of the Hors D’Oeuvres.
The popular 32nd annual event originally slated for May 10 at Caesars Windsor has been pushed back to Sept. 19 because of the ongoing strike at the casino.
The food fest is a major fundraiser for The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor Essex Foundation. “We’ve never held the event at that time of year,” said Hayley Morgan, the agency’s director of foundation and corporate relations. “But September is Big Brothers Big Sisters month so we can definitely leverage that. It’s a silver lining.”
Morgan said organizers reached a point of no return Monday as the strike continued.
“You have to be proactive,” Morgan said.
She said they had two backup dates in mind but one went out the window when Caesars management announced Tuesday it was cancelling all reservations from May 1-19.
Last year’s Battle of the Hors D’Oeuvres raised $66,000, which set a record for the event since the format moved away from a traditional gala dinner six years ago. All the funds raised that evening support the seven youth programs provided to more than 720 children in the community. Anyone who already has a ticket for the 2018 event can use it in September. Anyone who needs a refund or would like to purchase a ticket can call 519-945-6232 ext. 12 or 13. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.bigbrothersbigsisterswe.ca. Approximately 2,300 workers at Caesars Windsor have been on strike since April 6 after the majority rejected a tentative con- tract agreement. Other than a brief meeting April 18, there are no further bargaining talks scheduled. The closure of the casino and hotel has forced the cancellation or postponement of several events. With wedding season about to kick into high gear, there is no word yet on whether any upcoming receptions have been affected by the strike.
“I haven’t heard a peep,” said Sheryl Davies who publishes a Windsor Wedding Guide twice a year.
Davies noted shifting venues on short notice can “wreak havoc” on
September is Big Brothers Big Sisters month so we can definitely leverage that. It’s a silver lining.
a bride-to-be.
“Brides are emotional critters,” she said. “Trying to reconstruct something you didn’t break can put a lot of stress and strain on a bride’s nerves.”
Officials at Caesars Windsor won’t say if any weddings have been affected.
“Caesars Windsor has been working closely with all of our clients to ensure they are aware of their options well in advance of their event date,” said a statement from Caesars. “Our contracts with our clients are private and it is not our place to discuss the details of those agreements.”