Helping further the cause
Just before a wind storm caused the power to go out in the Russell Arena, the ladies night committee presented Parkinson Canada with a cheque for $13,500. Scotiabank was also on stage to add a matching fund cheque for $5,000. Sawyer Helmer photo
Judy McFaul co-chair, presented Lynne Rochon co-chair and Lawrie Hamilton committee member, with certificates of appreciation for their many years of hard work involved with the Russell Ladies Night. Sawyer Helmer photo
RUSSELL – The Russell Agricultural Society’s Ladies Night Hollywood Fab Fifteen Gala dinner and auction event on May 4 raised $20,000 for Parkinson Canada.
Russell Ladies Night co-emcees, Michael Miller and his daughter Chelsea Miller kept the crowd entertained during an eventful evening on Fri., May 4. Sawyer Helmer photo
“This year, we celebrated our fifteenth anniversary by highlighting our previous events and the causes we have supported,” said Judy McFaul, co-chair of the Ladies Night committee. “We also marked the contributions of businesses and individuals who have been key players in the huge success of our event over the years.”
Artist Allan André produced a live painting during the Russell Ladies Night. The painting was finished just in time for the live auction and sold for $1,000. Sawyer Helmer photo
According to Lynne Rochon, co-chair and Scotiabank account manager of small business, “all proceeds from the silent and live auctions totalling $15,000, plus $5,000 through Scotiabank’s Team Scotia Community Program, were donated directly to Parkinson Canada.”
This year, the ladies were treated to the banter of the evening’s hosts and former Russell residents Michael Miller (a.k.a. daredevil Awful Knawful) and his daughter Chelsea Miller, a well-known Ottawa radio personality. Michael also shared with the group his challenges as he lives with Parkinson’s disease.
“We are grateful to partner with the Russell Ladies Night. Events like this raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease and our work in the community. Each day, 25 people are diagnosed with this life-changing disease. Proceeds raised from your generosity will be directed to research. That helps immensely,” said Ginette Trottier, community development coordinator, Parkinson Canada. “Not only are we able to fund projects that identify new and better treatments but we continue to investigate causes and grow the number of clinicians serving the community. That means that when someone is diagnosed, the specialized care they need can be available in the community. For these individuals and their families, a cure can’t wait.”
The evening came to a dramatic end when high winds blew through the area and caused a power outage. This fifteenth annual Ladies Night will be forever known as the night the lights went out in Russell. Save the date for next year’s Russell Ladies Night on May 3.
