Fundraisers...
HOMEGROWN HOMES PRESENTS...
"An Evening With the Rat Pack"
The Sands Hotel, circa 1960. Travel back in time and enjoy the music of the legendary Frank, Sammy and Dean - a trio whose talent remains the gold standard in entertainment.
For the first time in Peterborough, and for one performance only, the renowned Sands Trio will recreate the magical mix that defined the Rat Pack. Volare, a Dean Martin standard, as only he could sing it. Strangers in the Night, one of the biggest hits of Frank Sinatra's huge career. Mr. BoJangles, that forgotten man whose soul was captured so perfectly by Sammy Davis Jr. Backed by their 5 piece orchestra, the Sands Trio will bring these legends back to life.
Please plan on joining us for an evening filled with great music, and good fun!
DATE: Saturday, May 25th, 2013
TIME: Cocktails and social: 7:00 - 7:45 p.m.
Performance: 8 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Dancing until 11:00 p.m.
VENUE: The Peterborough Curling Club
2195 Lansdowne Street West, Peterborough, Ontario
DRESS: 1960's evening (formal/semi formal)
TICKETS: $100.00 person
$750.00 for table of 8
Hors d'oeuvres served at your table
2 complimentary bottles of wine for each table
R.S.V.P. by May 14th, 2013 to Homegrown Homes:
705.748.4534; email: info@homegrownhomes.ca
All proceeds of this event go to Homegrown Homes, a national and international award winning non profit affordable housing provider in our community.
It Was Way Cooler than Clooney!
We brought back the original Oceans 11 - with the original stars, the drama, the cool factor... that is the Original Rat Pack. A delighted crowd relived this outstanding heritage movie, displayed in all its original glory on the big screen April 11th, raising about $800 for affordable housing!
Thanks to all who attended!
On May 25th, 2013 Homegrown Homes will be presenting An Evening with the Rat Pack: The Sands Trio at the Peterborough Curling Club. Flying directly from Las Vegas, no Rat Pack tribute group like this has ever set foot in Peterborough. Featuring the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., and backed by an orchestra, the event will be presented in a traditional nightclub setting. More information on this event TBA.
For additional information on these exciting concerts, call...
Sam Tweedle or Donna Clarke at 705.748.4534
Peterborough's Got Game was launched to much fanfare October 18th, 2012 at the Peterborough Petes CHL hockey game in our home city of Peterborough, Ontario. All of our 'models' were in attendance together with hockey icon Eddie Shack from the NHL's glory days, who graciously consented to be our 'poster boy' and was on hand when the gloves came off, so to speak, at our official launch.
When you purchase a calendar, you support affordable housing
colour photos courtesy Peterborough Examiner
Reminiscent of the 2004 Calendar Girls effort to raise funds for flood victims in Peterborough and area, this latest 'Calendar Girls' release will benefit affordable housing in our community!
To that end, Homegrown Homes is pleased and grateful to have been deemed the not-for-profit organization in line to receive the proceeds from this latest offerring of tastefully risque calendars capturing stunning images of some of our most beautiful and generous citizens who have, and are once again taking it "almost" all off for people in need.
Our Case for 'Support'
Homegrown Homes is a private, non-profit corporation that for 14 years, has been providing affordable housing to people of modest income. We receive no operating funding from any level of government. Homegrown Homes sustains its good work on a small margin of the rents received, and fundraising. Without the support of this community, we would not exist.
What started with a derelict duplex saved from demolition has grown into an organization that affordably houses 48 people in 17 units. Our rents average 15-20% below market rents. While that may not seem like much, that extra $90-120 per month can make the difference between going to the food bank or buying groceries; having money for a bus pass to get to work or having to walk/find other ways.
Our tenants range from single parents, two-parent families, seniors, and persons with special needs. A single mother housed by Homegrown Homes for several years has had one of her three sons join the armed forces. Another is a personal support worker. She credits Homegrown Homes for much of the success of her children. Prior to hearing about us, this woman lived with her sons in a cramped, mold infested apartment in an area noted for drug trafficking.
Another single mother credits Homegrown Homes for providing the affordable rent she needed in order to go back to school and obtain her university degree. She is working full time and has applied for a job with a most promising future for her, and her children.
The calendar was born from necessity - in order to raise the funds needed to purchase another property for affordable housing, we had to do something on a large scale, both to raise money and our community profile. It had to be different, and a partner was needed. A hockey-themed calendar was developed, and the Peterborough Petes organization was approached. When the Petes agreed to support our effort as a part of their community involvement initiative, the idea became a reality; and now, the dream of raising enough money to once again make a difference in another's life, has a shot at coming true.
Check out our links below for more...
Click here for CTV NEWS report and CANADA AM Interview
Peterborough's Got Game Catching More Than Just Fire...
Calendar Girls are on Facebook!
Calendar Girls in The Toronto Star!
Calendar Girls in My Kawartha!
Calendar Girls in the Peterborough Examiner!
Calendars are still available through our office at $20 each. We are conveniently located downstairs at the southwest corner of George and King Streets in Peterborough. E:mail to info@homegrownhomes.ca or call the office at 705.748.4534
Your support is gratefully acknowledged.
Opa!
IT'S OUR NIGHT IN GREECE VALENTINE'S DAY FUNDRAISER!
Homegrown Homes and The Shish Kabob Hut will be hosting The 5h Annual Night in Greece fundraiser at The Shish-Kabob Hut, 220 King Street Peterborough, on Sunday February 10th from 5 to 9 pm.
The Valentine's Day theme will include appetizers, full-course Greek dinner, special dessert, celebrity servers, silent auction, break-a-plate event, 50-50 Draw, door prize, greek music and a cheque presentation from the RBC Foundation! (Extra portions of food and dips are available upon request). Proceeds will help provide affordable housing for low-income families in Peterborough.
Treat your Valentine's Day Sweetheart to A Night in Greece! Tickets are $50 per person and are available at The Shish Kabob Hut. Tickets can be reserved by calling Homegrown Homes at 705.748.4534 with a credit card number. An income tax receipt is available upon request.
This event sold out quickly last year, so call now to reserve tickets.
Homegrown Homes is a non-profit organization that has been providing affordable housing in Peterborough since 1997 and depends on fundraisers for its sustainability. There are currently over 1,600 families on waiting lists for affordable housing in our community. Peterborough has the highest core housing need in Canada.
Come on out to wine and dine your sweetheart at A Night in Greece! Don't forget to bring your camera for a memorable romantic photo!
OPA!!!
Our 2013 Event Calendar
2013 promises to be a busy year for HomeGrown Homes. It has to be, as our organization does not benefit from any ongoing government or public funding. Our capacity, therefore, to provide and supply affordable housing to those in need is directly tied to fundraising events and donations. Our Peterborough's Got Game calendar has sold well and hopefully we will be on track to meet our fundraising goal with that project to help facilitate the purchase of a duplex that will house two families in need. However, we mustn't stop there. Renovations will be needed, and the myriad of other expenses inherent with maintaining quality housing. And with 1600 families in need (a number that keeps rising), we have a long way to go...
Please consider the following events in your planning for the coming year, and we thank you in advance for your support.
CRAIG CARDIFF MUSIC FUNDRAISER - MONDAY MARCH 2, 2013: Gordon Best Theatre, Hunter Street, Peterborough
OCEANS 11 - MOVIE NIGHT FUNDRAISER - APRIL 11, 2013: Galaxy Cinema - Water Street, Peterborough. Tickets $10
DON ROSS PERFORMANCE - T.B.A. - APRIL, 2013: The Venue - George Street, Peterborough
VEGAS NIGHT FUNDRAISER - Starring 'The Rat Pack' - MAY 26, 2013: The Peterborough Curling Club - Lansdowne Street W., Peterborough
CAVAN HILLS COUNTRY RUN - T.B.A. - SEPTEMBER 2013: McCamus Farms, Cavan
MOVIE NIGHT FUNDRAISER - T.B.A. - OCTOBER 2013: Galaxy Cinema - Water Street, Peterborough
ANNUAL CAPITAL CAMPAIGN - NOVEMBER 2013
SALE OF PETERBOROUGH ON BOARD GAMES - NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013. "Makes a great Christmas gift!"
Game On!
Thursday, October 18th we launched the latest 'Calendar Girls' fundraiser.
Talk about putting the fun in fundraising...
"Peterborough's Got Game: we've still got something worth looking at, but we've got nothing to prove"
Introducing the very latest 'Calendar Girls' release that will benefit affordable housing in our community!
To that end, Homegrown Homes is pleased and grateful to have been deemed the not-for-profit organization in line to receive the proceeds from this latest offerring of tastefully risque calendars capturing stunning images of some of our most beautiful and generous citizens who have, and are once again taking it "almost" all off for people in need.
Our Case for 'Support'
Homegrown Homes is a private, non-profit corporation that for 14 years, has been providing affordable housing to people of modest income. We receive no operating funding from any level of government. Homegrown Homes sustains its good work on a small margin of the rents received, and fundraising. Without the support of this community, we would not exist.
What started with a derelict duplex saved from demolition has grown into an organization that affordably houses 48 people in 17 units. Our rents average 15-20% below market rents. While that may not seem like much, that extra $90-120 per month can make the difference between going to the food bank or buying groceries; having money for a bus pass to get to work or having to walk/find other ways.
Our tenants range from single parents, two-parent families, seniors, and persons with special needs. A single mother housed by Homegrown Homes for several years has had one of her three sons join the armed forces. Another is a personal support worker. She credits Homegrown Homes for much of the success of her children. Prior to hearing about us, this woman lived with her sons in a cramped, mold infested apartment in an area noted for drug trafficking.
Another single mother credits Homegrown Homes for providing the affordable rent she needed in order to go back to school and obtain her university degree. She is working full time and has applied for a job with a most promising future for her, and her children.
The calendar was born from necessity - in order to raise the funds needed to purchase another property for affordable housing, we had to do something on a large scale, both to raise money and our community profile. It had to be different, and a partner was needed. A hockey-themed calendar was developed, and the Peterborough Petes organization was approached. When the Petes agreed to support our effort as a part of their community involvement initiative, the idea became a reality; and now, the dream of raising enough money to once again make a difference in another's life, has a shot at coming true.
Check out our links below for more...
Calendar Girls are on Facebook!
Just $20 each and available at the following locations:
Peterborough Petes Store, Cahill's Furs, Charlotte Pantry, Home Hardware stores (Lansdowne, Chemong, Simcoe Street locations), Naked Chocolate, Sullivan's Pharmacy, Chapters, Peterborough Community Credit Union, Kawartha Tourism Bureau, Medical Centre Pharmacy, Peterborough This Week, Captain George's (Market Plaza and Lansdowne), AAA Otonabee Appliances, M and M Meats (Chemong and Lansdowne locations), Joie De Vie, Van Gogh Designed Hair, and My Left Breast
Or purchase online...
Your support is gratefully accepted.
The Graham Hart Gala Raises $10,000 For Affordable Housing
It was a night of love and laughter, tears and jeers, and overall a true demonstration of respect for a man who has given so much to this community. One by one, some of Peterborough's finest came out to roast and toast this beloved gentleman...
Co-incidentally, Graham celebrates his 50th year in broadcasting in 2012. This brief CHEX Television was partially filmed at the Homegrown Homes Gala.
Our thanks to Graham for allowing us to put him in the spotlight, and to the community for supporting not only a wonderful event, but also the chance to further additional opportunities for affordable housing.
NOVEMBER, 2012: Annual Giving Campaign Mail-Out
Titanic a Big-Screen Hit!
We would like to thank the hundreds of people who came out on April 12th to take in Titanic at the Galaxy Cinema. Attendees enjoyed the night thoroughly, but even more important you helped us raise more than $2,000 towards the provision of affordable housing in our community. The event also reminded us that your appetite for seeing iconic classics back on the big screen has been duly whetted!
Watch for Arsenic and Old Lace coming in October!
100 Years Ago...
It was an event that shocked the world - and a century later our fascination with the sinking of the Titanic has not diminished with a myriad of books, documentaries, expeditions, miniseries and movies - including the James Cameron blockbuster that returns this year in 3D.
But...
Before the advent of special effects and CGI was Hollywood's original offerring...
The Gardens of Peterborough and Homegrown Homes are pleased to present:
Titanic
This is the original 1953 Academy Award Winning movie starring Barbara Stanwyck, Clifton Webb, Robert Wagner and Richard Basehart
Thursday, April 12th
7 p.m.
Galaxy Cinema
This classic Hollywood film has all but disappeared from the small screen and hasn't been seen on the big screen in almost 60 years.
Thus, on April 12th we invite you to return to the point where our fascination with the Titanic began.
Anyone familiar with the Titanic knows that we are almost exactly 100 years beyond its fateful demise in the wee hours of April 15th, 1912 after striking the iceberg late on the night of April 14th.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m, and Titanic sails at 7 p.m. sharp!
Tickets are $20 and include a $10 charitable donations receipt. Proceeds will help provide affordable housing for families with low income. Take advantage of a 10% discount for popcorn with a Scene Card. Tickets are selling fast. Call 705.748.4534 to reserve yours now!
Titanic 1953 is not available on DVD. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this extraordinary historical event, back on the Big Screen for one night only!
This would make an excellent night of nostalgia for an elderly parent, or your favourite senior.
Come, sail with us on Thursday, April 12th for this special night, and help support affordable housing in your community.
And the award goes to...
Erica Cherney was our gracious recipient of the Homegrown Homes 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Betterment. The honour was handed out at a spectacular and well-attended gala September 9th.
At this time we would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to our event sponsors...
Gold Sponsor: Knock on Wood and More...
Pictured above is our Research and Resource Development Co-ordinator Trish Clarkson with Dave Madill of Knock on Wood and More
Silver Sponsor: M & M Meat Shops
Bronze Sponsors: Coyle Packaging, 100.5 KRUZ FM, THE WOLF 101.5, Professor Elizabeth Orsten, Peterborough Community Credit Union, Peterborough Examiner, Peterborough This Week, Ricart Trophies, and Trent Valley Honda
Thank you also to our valued Contributors for this fundraiser...
Peter Adams, Barbara and Leonard Conolly, Darling Insurance, DNS Realty, Rosamond and John Frederickson, Jon and Sheilagh Grant, Goodith Heeney, Brendan Moher, Gail Morrison, Sheila Nabigon-Howlett, Showplace, and The Venue
An extra special thank you to ST. JOHN'S ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF CANADA for their generous donation of $100,000 to Homegrown Homes!
Thanks also for the generous contributions to our Silent Auction from the following sponso...
Bannerman's Clothing Store, Bell Canada, Costco, Black Honey, Colio Estates, Cosmic Charlie's, Dr. Doug's Chiropractic Clinic, Future Shop, Gentry Apparrel, Heron Landing Golf Course, Hot Belly Mama's and The Olde Stone Brewing Company, Kelsey's, M & M Meat Shops, Metro Food Basics, Gerry O'Neill, Parkhill on Hunter Cafe, Peterborough Golf and Country Club, St. Veronus Tap Room Ltd., Title's Bookstore, Tweed and Hickory Ladies Wear, VanGogh Designed Hair, Wild Rock Outfitter's
All proceeds will help provide affordable housing for low-income families in our community...
Homegrown Homes has several major fundraisers a year...
The Cavan Hills Country Run, October 2011
Homegrown Homes Annual Campaign, November 2011
The Boston Pizza Fundraiser, November 2011
The Night in Greece, February 2012
Our Music Fundraiser, May 2012
Please keep checking here for updated times and details of these events.
Our Night in Greece SOLD OUT!
Our annual "Night in Greece" fundraiser on Sunday, February 13th was a sellout. A total of $3,000 was raised from the event itself, with an additional $10,000 in private donations. Thank you! We can't begin to tell you how far this money goes towards helping to provide affordable housing to those in need, in our community. Thank you all!
Would the REAL Three Loonies, Please Stand Up...
Let's begin with a BEFORE, and AFTER picture...
Before...
After...
Amazing what a tux, a little hair gel and some moisturizer can do...
But seriously, the ninth annual Mayor’s Dinner fundraiser was a sell-out success for Homegrown Homes September 11th at the Evinrude Centre with 185 tickets sold at $100 apiece.
The Three Loonies (Peter Blodgett, Bruce Fitzpatrick and Bob McGillen) were roasted and toasted by good friends Jeff Ayotte and Gary McNeely. Mike Melnik, the infamous 'Morning Mayor' on KRUZ FM 100.5 (and hinting that next year the name of the event should be changed to the 'Morning Mayor's Dinner') graciously served as our MC for the event.
Donna Clarke, Executive Director and Tricia Clarkson, Research and Resource Development Coordinator for Homegrown Homes organized the fundraiser. Clarkson raised over $8,000 in sponsorships for the event.
The main sponsors for the dinner and dance were Daryl Bennett from the Liftlock Group of Companies, who graciously donated $5,000 to help offset the expenses for the fundraiser, and Cathy Rice from M & M Meat Shops who donated all of the food for the event. Appetizers were provided by Black Honey, Cosmic Charlies and Parkhill at Hunter. Salad ingredients were courtesy of Costco and No Frills.
It was Homegrown Homes' most successful Mayor’s Dinner to date with approximately $15,000 raised from the event. All of the proceeds will go to help provide affordable housing in Peterborough and help offset Homegrown Homes 'Wish List' of repairs needed for some of our units.
And well, okay--enough monkeying around. Here are some better pictures...starting with the table settings...
Pretty gorgeous, eh? Even for these guys. Well, we were actually thinking of our guests...
Here's our equally gorgeous Administrator with the three honourees...
Below, Daryl Bennett of the Liftlock Group and one of our generous sponsors is pictured with our ravishing (McGillen's words) RRDC, Trish Clarkson. Mr. Bennett and the Liftlock Group of Companies donated $5,000 to offset the costs of our event. The reason why there are two certificates here is that Mr. Bennett personally donated $1,500 to help save a house on Water Street in need of a new foundation. That home accommodates two low-income families.
Homegrown Homes owes much gratitude to M&M Meat Shops for donating all of the food for our event once again this year. Pictured above are (L-R) Jamie Yarrow and Karen Hogan of M&M Meat shops, who both volunteered for the event as well.
Nancy Martin, Chair of the Peterborough Foundation is shown below with Trish Clarkson. The Peterborough Foundation graciously donated $5,000 towards one of our affordable / accessible housing projects.
Thanks again one and all for making the 9th annual Mayor's Dinner a resounding success. And more importantly, thank you for helping to support affordable housing in our community.
In the meantime, watch and listen for the Three Loonies...
...oh, wait a minute...
That's better. These fellows, in December in person and on the air for their annual Three Loonies radiothon for Kawartha Food Share--an event that this year will see them go over the half-million dollar mark.
Incredible...
The Tunes of June...our Homegrown Homes Music Fest a Success!
A big thanks to all who joined us for some great music to welcome summer in June. Special thanks to our hosts The Montreal House (The Mo Ho for the rest of you), The Dobro, and The Spill
Pass the bread...save the house
A huge thanks to the participating restaurants which contributed to our 'Pass the bread, Save the House' fundraiser on March 31st : Charlotte Anne's, LaHacienda, Jake's Neighbourhood Grill, Johnny Eh's (formerly Mexicali Rosa's), Splice, Black Honey, Island Cream Caribbean Cuisine, The Sapphire Room, and the Sunrise Cafe.
Taking the plunge for affordable housing...
Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week photo
What some people won't do for affordable housing. That's our very own Lois Tuffin, fearless member of the Homegrown Homes Board of Directors and tireless housing advocate, jumping into Chemong Lake during the 2010 Polar Plunge on February7th. Peterborough This Week freelancer Stephanie Dancey is on Lois' right, ready to splash down. It should be noted that Lois challenged CHEX TV weather analyst Jay Scotland and sports anchor Tyler Calver to outdo her in collecting pledges. While the boys came close, they could not match Lois' combined total of $1,705.00, 60 percent of which goes to Homegrown Homes in support of affordable housing. At least the CHEX boys (who raised $1700) won best costume honours. We wondered if they would wear their long underwear when they served as paper boys, their pennance for losing the wager!
Well, here's you answer:
Nice job, boys. But you could use a bigger wagon...
But back to Lois, who is an exemplary example of a hands-on board member who is unafraid to get her hands dirty or her feet wet for a good cause.
More importantly, the big splash put $1,023 into our coffers, which will go towards providing warm homes for deserving families. Even if, at times, we have to take leave of our senses, and our own warmth, to do it.
Congratulations, Lois (and Stephanie). We're proud of you...
Robbie Burns 2010...
A fine time was had by all at our annual Robbie Burns dinner, hosted once again in the inviting ambience of Burnham Mansion. Every staple of a traditional Burns' supper was there, from the address to the haggis, to the bagpipes, to the fine Highland dancing courtesy of Alana Collins and her students. And...befitting a fundraiser, a cheque presentation from our friends at RBC.
You can plainly see how much respect Henry Clarke harbours for the wee sheep's stomach. He thought the platter was his alone, until we broke the news to him that he had to share!
Thanks to everyone who helped make our evening a success, and we'll see you next year for 2011!
"Home Sweet Home at Boston Pizza"
We are pleased to report that with your help and the generosity of Boston Pizza South we raised $825 in one day on November 18th. Thank you, and well done all!
"A Night in Greece" 2009 was another success...
A total of $2,200 was raised from this worthwhile and most enjoyable evening. Our thanks to everyone who attended. It was great fun.
"The King & I"
Homegrown Homes is proud to have presented the first big-screen presentation of a beloved motion picture in 53 years. The King & I, starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr was screened in all its enchanting glory October 15th at Peterborough's Galaxy Cinema. A number of patrons brought their parents, their grandparents and even themselves for a welcome bit of nostalgia in the midst of a hectic world. We'll be back next year with another memorable blast from cinema's past...
Cavan Hills Country Run...October 17th 2009
Numbers are still being tallied, but we expect to have raised about $2,000 from this terrific event. And such a beautiful day!
The Mayor's Dinner 2009 Honoured Gary Dalliday in June
photo courtesy Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week
Our major sponsor:
For more than 30 years, Gary Dalliday served with distinction the varied and vibrant sporting community in Peterborough. Well beyond his tenure in the media, he has effectively dedicated a large portion of his adult life to covering the sporting life in this community: cheering athletes of every age and discipline from the sidelines, giving voice to their stories and pride to their passions. Much of that time, on his days off.
Indeed, as a lifelong resident of Peterborough, Gary's dedication to the Peterborough sporting community and the city at large is equaled only by his selflessness.
His investiture into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 is testament to his legacy and leadership as a true builder, with few equals.
Our marquee event this year helped the organization raise just over $9,500 for affordable housing in our community. Thanks to all who made it such a memorable night!
Taking the plunge for affordable housing...
Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week photo
What some people won't do for affordable housing. That's our very own Lois Tuffin, fearless vice-Chair of Homegrown Homes and tireless housing advocate, jumping into Chemong Lake during the 2009 Polar Plunge. Not that Lois is anything close to jailbait (as adorable as she is in stripes), nor is her intrepid husband Jamie Hueston, appearing to her left, and Calyn Clark is on Jamie's right, ready to splash down. Not to be outdone, that's Homegrown Homes' Administrator Donna Clarke in the fake nose and glasses, peeling off her Keystone Kops outfit in the background, before jumping in with billyclub-wielding Stephanie Dancey in hot pursuit. Together, the jailbirds being chased by the constabulary in full uniform won best constume honours at the annual event.
More importantly, the big splash put a few more dollars into our coffers, which will go towards providing warm homes for deserving families. Even if, at times, we have to take leave of our senses, and our own warmth, to do it.
Congratulations, gang. We're proud of you...
...and it was a Happy Burns-Day!
The haggis was roasted, toasted and addressed as Robbie Burns Day was celebrated at Burnham Mansion. This fine facility once again served as host for Homegrown Homes' wee bit of Scottish hospitality in support of affordable housing.
Sunday, January 25th was just as enjoyable, delectable and downright fun as last year!
Our share of the proceeds of this wonderful event went directly to affordable housing and, in particular, our brand-new four-plex at Edinburgh that is newly-completed, and will be housing four families in just a few short weeks.
Thank you for supporting affordable housing in our community!
Home Sweet Home at Boston Pizza
Dressed in Homegrown Homes T-shirts, our crew was given the opportunty to hang out at...
...and we were among many friends November 19th. It was a busy day in town, with a rare Wednesday Petes home game, an event honouring Gwen Brown at Market Hall, the annual United Way Sports Auction, and our humble little fundraiser.
Incredible as it sounds, with all that activity, patrons at Boston Pizza somehow managed to help us raise $907 for affordable housing in our community--and specifically, the 200 Edinburgh project which is now up, and enclosed. Still lots of work to do yet, which is why we are so pleased and thankful for the response to our fundraiser.
Of course, much thanks go out to Jason Airhart and everyone at Boston Pizza, Lansdowne for helping us.
Our Fall Fiesta Fundraiser was great fun!
Hosted by our friends at 
October 19th and featuring George Oliver & the Keys, and the Tom Eastland Band, this event was just one of many recent, and future fundraising events that will help build our new four-plex on Edinburgh Street. Not only will this quality project be affordable for four deserving families, but will also be built using the latest in green technology. Our new building will be efficient, use less energy, and command a smaller environmental footprint.
Thanks for helping those in need, in our community, by supporting affordable housing!
The Hills Were (cough, wheeze) Alive...
...with the sound of running, and fundraising October 18th. This was our first partnership with the annual Cavan Hills Country Run and it turned out to be a super event in more ways than one. Not only did it promote a healthy lifestyle and physical exercise in the midst of the magnificant fall colours of the Cavan hills, but it was an opportunity for Homegrown Homes to raise $1,600.00.
We would so much like to thank St. John's Anglican Church in Ida for partnering with us on this terrific event. Yet another basket of dollars to be put towards our fabulous, new affordable housing project at 220 Edinburgh!
Our proud runner, by the way, is our own Trish Clarkson who finished 3 seconds shy of third place. She was 'snapped' by SNAP! Peterborough, and remains an example for the rest of us sedentary types at Homegrown Homes. Well done Trish, and Mary Murat too, for taking on the Cavan Hills for affordable housing!
Greece is the word...
Our second annual Night in Greece fundraiser was a tremendous success, thanks to the generous patrons and supporters of affordable housing who packed the Shish Kabob Hut on a humid Sunday evening in September.
In co-operation with our generous sponsor, The Shish Kabob Hut, a host of community supporters dined on Greek cuisine and soaked up the accompanying atmosphere.
In addition to a silent auction, our guests were treated to the opportunity to break a plate--at five bucks a smash--for affordable housing. What's more, we were honoured that all four candidates in the upcoming federal election were on hand to join in the fun, and do some light campaigning at the same time. Perhaps, a chance to smash an opponent's plate, all in good fun of course...
...and of course, all for a most worthy cause--our 220 Edinburgh project, which is currently under construction and for which our Night in Greece fundraiser was intended.
The Edinburgh project is our most ambitious to date, and will also be our greenest to date, with as many energy-saving features as we can muster--all in an effort to increase affordability even further, and lessen our environmental footprint.
Please watch this spot for further fundraising events. Fundraising remains an integral part of the process, and we'll need to raise as much funding as possible to ensure our project becomes a reality, and our goal to provide four families in need with safe, quality yet affordable housing, and have them moved in time for Christmas.
What a great Christmas present!With your help, it will become a reality.
The Hawk Roasted and Toasted...
A fine time was had by all at the roast and toast honouring Ronnie Hawkins, this years' honouree at the Mayor's Dinner this past April 5th, 2008 at the Evinrude Center.
Ronnie's 50 year rock and roll career - and life - is the stuff of which legends are made.
...and so are his one-liners, as surprise guest and die-hard Hawkins fan Dolly Lippinschmauker can attest!
Born in Arkansas, Ronnie moved to 'The Promised Land' in 1958, where he quickly earned his reputation as a stellar musician and performer. With 25 albums, a Juno award, and induction to Canada's Music Hall of Fame and Walk of Fame, the Hawk is still rockin'!
Hosted by Homegrown Homes, the Mayor's Dinner is a regular event, held about once a year, that features the roasting and toasting of a prominent local citizen before an audience of the honouree's peers and other guests.
The tradition began when the organization’s patron -- former mayor Sylvia Sutherland -- offered her name to the event. Over the years, honourees have included longtime city councillor and current Mayor Paul Ayotte, the late Stan McBride, prominent local lawyer and now Justice Barry MacDougall, and Ms Sutherland herself while in her final weeks of office.
Our 2008 honouree, as noted above, was the legendary RONNIE HAWKINS.
All proceeds from this event went to Homegrown Homes, a private non-profit organization providing affordable housing in our community
Highland dancer Jessie Hoggarth kicks up her heels for Robbie Burns (photos courtesy of Peterborough This Week)
With haggis and highland dancing, our Robbie Burns Day fundraiser January 25th at Burnham Mansion was a huge success.
"We depend on fundraising and community support for sustainable funding," says our Trish Clarkson, research and resource development co-ordinator for Homegrown Homes. "We get no sustainable government funding, no sustainable municipal funding or sustainable United Way funding."
Burnham Mansion was filled with tartan-clad guests piling their plates with roast beef, Yorkshire puddings and of course, haggis.
The night kicked off with the traditional Address to the Haggis, and the remainder of the evening included music by the Robin Hawkins Band, a silent auction, and two groups of highland dancers from the Collins School of Dance.
Money raised by the event will help support the ongoing affordable housing projects of Homegrown Homes and potentially reduce the non-profit agency's waiting list.
"There are currently 1,500 people on our waiting list."
Two local banks presented a gift to Homegrown Homes during the event. RBC and CIBC both presented cheques in the amount of $5,000.
Peter Cain, a board member and representative from CIBC, spoke of the commitment of the volunteers at Homegrown Homes.
"The passion from the Board is unbelievable," Cain said.
Graham Ross, representing RBC, spoke of the institution's pride to be associated with Homegrown Homes.
"They're successfully providing individuals affordable, decent places to call home," he said.
Homegrown Homes is indebted to Burnham Mansion for hosting a most succsessful evening.
A NIGHT IN GREECE...
ROBBIE BURNS DAY for HOMEGROWN HOMES
Attendees included His Worship Mayor Paul Ayotte, M.P.P. Jeff Leal, M.P. Dean Del Mastro, Dean Pappas, Henry Clarke and several city councillors. Celebrity servers, Greek music, a full course Greek dinner with appetizers, refreshments, and the beloved Break-a-Plate toss rounded out the festivities.
Needless to say it was a night to remember, and its success dictates that A Night in Greece will be observed at The Shish Kabob Hut each summer.