The most anticipated fundraiser of the year for generations of families in Centre Wellington and beyond takes place with the Elora Co-op Pre-School’s 16th Annual Spaghetti Supper and Silent Auction on Feb. 24.
The event will feature a family dinner with local food, including salads, fresh breads, spaghetti with homemade sauce, coffee and desserts, prepared by chefs Derek Roberts and Jay Gazzola from Fraberts Fresh Foods in Fergus.
“Having the chefs from Fraberts is awesome,” said Ray Romard, event organizer and preschool parent. “This helps us draw in people from Fergus too, which is great.”
He adds, “All the food has been donated by local businesses.”
Romard said the community support has been incredible, including generous donations of big-ticket sporting events, art pieces by local artists, and retail stores offering prizes.
“I’ve been blown away by the community support for this event,” Romard added. “Our goal is to raise $15,000.”
It might sound like a lofty goal, but the event has become a community tradition where old friends and playmates come together to reunite with each other and the beloved preschool teacher, Debbie Mooney-Bianchi, better known simply as “Miss Debbie.”
Having attended every spaghetti fundraiser as the preschool’s only permanent teacher to date, she commends the volunteer support of the preschool families, noting that as an independently-funded preschool, this event is important in more ways than one.
“It’s critical for our funding. It’s what keeps us afloat financially and what brings us together as a family at least once a year,” said Mooney-Bianchi.
The family-friendly event includes a silent auction with Toronto Maple Leafs, Blue Jays and Raptors tickets, weekend getaways and photography packages, plus much more.
There will be raffle draws, kids prizes and activities for the family to enjoy.
“There will be a kids’ area staffed with volunteers to keep the little ones busy,” said Romard, hoping it will allow the parents an opportunity to shop the silent auction.
The Spaghetti Supper is held at the Elora Community Center on Feb. 24 from 4 to 7pm.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and those under four years of age dine for free. Takeout meals are available. No reservations required.
For more information visit www.elorapreschool.ca or contact Ray Romard at 519-323-9939.
