Zeal for Teal 2014, a fundraiser for the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope, welcomed over 100 women to the Drayton Arena on April 26.
Local scrapbookers and crafters joined participants from as far away as Burlington and Walkerton at the annual event.
The Pirate theme this year was a hit and those who attended were not disappointed with the attention to detail, organizers note.
Treasure chests, authentic galleons, realistic palm trees, jolly rogers and a superb pirate ship backdrop, expertly designed, created and constructed by Rosemary Latham of Drayton, lent authentic atmosphere to the day. Sue Bauman used her creativity to help Latham with decorating and set construction, too.
Amber Tuck of the organizing committee, along with volunteer Amanda Hauser, were kept busy at the registration table and ticket wicket. They also received donations for the local food bank from participants.
The ever popular store – this year dubbed “The Pirate’s Booty,” headed up by Darlene Hauser – offered a variety of wares, including awareness jewelry, hand-knitted and other items donated by the Palmerston Hospital Auxiliary, Walk of Hope shoelaces, mugs and more. Local donations of baked goods and homemade preserves sold out quickly.
Glynis Belec sold signed copies of her books: Mrs. B Has Cancer, A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider, and some of the Chicken Soup titles which contain stories about her cancer journey. Belec donates a portion of her sales to Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope.
Special guest speaker Kim Rowntree from Barrie, chair of the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope, shared her story of how she lost her mother to ovarian cancer and how she and her sister became passionate about the cause and how the Barrie Walk of Hope began six years ago.
“It has grown from being a ‘mini-walk’ with a mere shelter to an amazing community event complete with local dignitaries in attendance and hundreds of people taking over the waterfront in Barrie,” said Rowntree.
She shared some grim statistics about ovarian cancer and how there is no screening test yet. She also offered hope and advised women that they should all be aware of signs and symptoms and become more mindful of what is happening in their own bodies.
“Ovarian cancer used to be called an old woman’s disease because the incidence is high in women over the age of 50,” Rowntree said.
“No longer is that true, as it becomes more commonplace for ovarian cancer to be detected in (those in their 40s, 30s and even 20s). On the rare occasion, even young girls have fallen victim to ovarian cancer; the disease that is sometimes called the silent killer or “the disease that whispers.”
Participants took a moment out of their busy day scrapbooking to listen to Belec speak about one of their past participants Miriam Walter, who lost her own battle to cancer last November. A new feature at Zeal for Teal was a banner honouring local and other women related to participants who had also succumbed to cancer.
“We need to take a moment to remember our sisters, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, nieces, and friends who have died from cancer,” said Belec in her opening remarks.
Participants quietly reflected on their own personal losses during the moment of silence.
“It’s a bittersweet day,” Newton said. “Raising funds is important. Raising awareness is crucial and why we do this.”
Throughout the day Zeal for Teal participants were treated to theme-related beverages and snacks. Ann Kabbes and Yvonne Timmerman worked hard in the galley preparing the midday meal.
Donated door prizes were awarded throughout the day to holders of lucky tickets and Heather Clemmer of Seventh Day Nails, pampered guests by offering mini-manicures.
The Cap’n Hook ring toss was a popular attraction and drew some laughter and an opportunity for some friendly competition. The on-site store with Tracy deWeerd from First Choice Trophies and Scrapbooking from Listowel, was kept busy.
Margaret DeWitt from Stampin’ Up and Lia Sophia Jewelery who has faithfully donated to and been part of Zeal for Teal since the beginning, offered shoppers a place to purchase gifts and the perfect scrapbooking and crafting products for the day. Both vendors donated a portion of their sales back to the fundraising.
Chairs Newton and ovarian cancer survivor Belec, who attend the Barrie Walk of Hope each year, were thrilled with the response of participants and were overwhelmed with the donations to their silent auction and penny table.
“We always try to make this a special day for our ladies,” said Belec, “and we think we have once again done this according to the evaluation sheets and feedback received so far.”
Newton, who had the idea for Zeal for Teal when her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008, was happy to see how much fun participants had scrapbooking and participating in the various activities.
“Over $3,000 is what we are able to give to the Walk of Hope this year,” said Newton, adding that, in total, the Zeal for Teal events have managed to raise over $11,000 for Ovarian Cancer Canada.
“I am so happy we had a successful event again and that we were able to raise these funds for Ovarian Cancer Canada,” said Newton.
“Five and a half years ago when we started this, we had no idea we would get this big.”
For more information on ovarian cancer, how to help or to find out about the Walks of Hope that take place across Canada in September visit http://www.ovariancanada.org.
