Hungry, generous customers at The Windsor Tavern in Vankleek Hill on Friday, September 13, helped make wishes come true for children with chronic diseases.
A Charity Steak Night at the tavern raised at least $3,000 for Make-A-Wish Canada.
“There are so many kids wanting wishes,” said fundraiser organizer Don Dubois.
The event was by reservation only, and 140 people reserved ahead. Attendees not only got to enjoy a steak dinner, but proceeds from ticket sales went to Make-A-Wish. There were also draws and a silent auction for various prizes taking place during the evening.
Lite 106.7 FM morning host Frank Cavallaro was master of ceremonies for the evening. Musical entertainment was provided by 50 Proof.
The Doctor Who Society of Canada had a table of fans of the long-running British science-fiction TV series at the event. The fans were in costume and had a miniature version of one of the Dalek characters from the program on the table. The fans use their love of Dr. Who to support various charities.
Funds raised at the event were able to grant wishes to three children.
Dubois has been organizing fundraisers for various causes, including Make-A-Wish, the former Derrick’s Pancake Day cancer fundraiser, Ukrainian resettlement, and Shriner’s Hospitals, for several years. At the Make-A-Wish event on September 13, Dubois gave a tribute to late Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who died on February 29 this year. Dubois said it was a chance meeting with Mulroney at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in downtown Montréal that inspired him to begin organizing fundraising events for various causes. Mulroney suggested that Dubois use his accounts receivable professional skills to encourage people to make contributions. Mulroney had even recommended Make-A-Wish, so Dubois decided to make the charity the recipient of funds from this year’s Charity Steak Night at the Windsor Tavern.
Another highlight of the evening was that September 13 was also the 25th wedding anniversary for Dubois and his wife, Ann Jowett.
