November 2006

 

Dear Lake Joseph Yacht Club Members,

Thank you everyone, for all of your efforts with respect to the 2006 Spirit of Muskoka Gala.  We set out to “put the building fund over the top” and we succeeded.  The night was fabulous fun with great auction items, exquisite food, huge local community support, lots of dancing and over $400,000 raised !!!  This event would not have been nearly as successful or as fun as it was without the enthusiastic participation of the LJYC members.  The generosity in time volunteered, donations with respect to the silent and live auction (including voting on Ellen Cowie’s painting) and of course, attendance the night of, was amazing.  We would not have had the awesome auction items without the creative acquisition and donation efforts of the LJYC members.  There were 8+ tables of sailing guests at the gala and the backbone of the volunteer crew for set up and the night of was our sailing students and instructors.  At the end of the night, the people who were still on the dance floor for “last song” were all LJYC parents and children.  Outstanding fun !

The night was fantastic and what really made a difference was the participation of the local cottage community of the LJYC. Thank you !  Thank you !  Thank you !

The ground breaking ceremony was held in October and already almost half of the buildings have been demolished.  The plan is still on track for the demolition and rebuilding to be completed by spring (June).

Although a lot of money has been raised, the capital committee is still out there trying to raise the last amount of money that is required to finish this project.  The gala will continue in 2007 both to celebrate the success so far and to finish off the last bits.  In fact, the Spirit of Muskoka gala has turned into such a popular, fun event that it will likely continue forever as a big party that will provide funds for some extras at the camp.  A very worthy cause.  Three of our sailing club moms are still heavily involved on the board of the Spirit of Muskoka.  Mary Smith is the person who is coordinating the seating at all of the tables for 2007.  Janis Benson has taken over as the volunteer coordinator for 2007.  Laurel Oliphant is coordinating the raffles including supervising the volunteers who are selling the raffle items (remember the light-up rings last year?).  The date for the 2007 Gala is August 11, 2007.  Hope to see you there!

 

Sincerely,

Carolyn Gagnon                                                                                    

LJYC Sailing School Director