The sixth annual Zeal for Teal event, set for April 26 at the PMD Arena Complex, promises to be “a rollicking time on the high seas,” organizers state.
“With a feisty pirate theme, this year’s ovarian cancer fundraiser will showcase a fighting spirit as over 100 women jump on board for another fantastic day of crafting and scrapbooking,” notes organizer Glynis Belec, adding that participants are encouraged to dress in costume for a fashion show.
Zeal for Teal, a surprise-filled day of scrapbooking and crafting for the cause, continues to grow in popularity with local attendees and participants from as far away as Woodstock, Hanover and Burlington, says Belec.
Over 2,600 Canadian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year and 1,750 women annually succumb to the disease. There is no screening test to detect it, but when found early and treated, the ovarian cancer survival rate is 90 per cent.
“One of the main reasons that Zeal for Teal exists is to raise awareness and to help educate women about the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer. This special day also is an important way for the Sunflower Seeds Team to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer, celebrate survivors, and is a great way to help raise funds for the annual Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope in Barrie, Ontario,” Belec states.
Since the inception of the event six years ago, Belec says local businesses and individuals have been supportive with donations of door prizes, silent auction and penny table items, food, beverages, gift certificates, flowers, decorations, food stamps from the Drayton Foodmarket and more.
As a way of giving back to the community, the Zeal for Teal committee invites participants to bring along food items or a donation for the local food bank.
“This is by no means mandatory, but it is a great way to pay it forward to those in need,” Belec said.
There are only a few spots available for those who haven’t yet registered. For anyone unable to spend an entire day, Zeal for Teal has opened the event to visitors. For a $5 donation, visitors may take part in the games, silent auction, penny table and more. For $10 visitors can enjoy lunch.
For more information, contact the committee at sunflower.seeds.team@gmail.com or call 519-638-3215. Check out the Zeal for Teal blog at http://zealforteal.blogspot.ca.
