community notebook
Rotary Club of Ancaster A.M. Party in White fashion show
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Michelangelo Banquet Centre, 1555 Upper Ottawa, Hamilton
The Rotary Club of Ancaster A.M. is a club with many facets, raising money to help both local and global causes. A Cosmopolitan Affair is the club’s annual large-scale fundraising event and is one of Gatsby-like proportions. It’s more than simply just a good time. Yes, there’s great food, wine and entertainment but there’s also a strong sense of community that goes into the event. This year marks its 14th year and the theme is Party in White.
Over the years, money was raised for numerous causes, both within the province and abroad: the Ancaster Rotary Centre, building a pediatric radiation suite at Juravinski Centre, a breakfast program at the Dr. Davey School, water sanitation systems in the Dominican Republic, water wells in Haiti, funding the Juravinski Breast Assessment Centre, and many other community initiatives. Recently, the club committed $100,000 for the new Ancaster Art Centre over the next three years. “Rotary International has a mandate that we support international as well as local causes. We support both every year,” explains Event Chair Kathryn Smith.
For this year’s event, everyone is encouraged to deck themselves in white, and those who do will receive a draw ticket to win diamond jewelry from Ancaster Jewellers. Other prizes include the grand prize trip for two to Greece or a weekend getaway to White Oaks Resort.
Funds from ticket sales, sponsorships and prize draws will be put towards the development of a much-needed pediatric therapeutic mental health courtyard at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Smith says this special courtyard will be a space for patients to experience the outdoors who otherwise can’t. “This way they can still get the benefits of being outside in a courtyard facility in a safe environment.”
Fashions from the show are courtesy of local shops, and local VIPs have been called upon to model in the show. “A lot goes into the show. We always go out of our way to make it a first class affair.”
Tickets for the show can be purchased online at cosmopolitanaffair.ca