Although attendance was low, the generosity of those who attended the Valentine Dance fundraiser for the Riverside Kitchen project was tremendous.
The Valentine Dance fundraiser was a combined effort between the Crimson Tine Players and the Princeton Rotary Club to raise more funding to aid in finishing the kitchen at the Riverside Centre.
Members and friends of Rotary, the Crimson Tine Players and the Princeton Arts Council baked pies and desserts, decorated and donated items for the silent auction.
The Switchmen; a local band comprised of Corry Oerlemans, Mel Berg, Rick Law, Jason Gasparetto, Rick Freeman and Dwayne Sinninger donated their time to perform. Rick Freeman donated refreshments for the event as well.
Esther Donovan, of the Crimson Tine Players said, “This is a community spirit event to support the kitchen project. Everything has been donated so all funds raised go directly to the kitchen.”
“The idea for this kitchen was born of an idea to have dinner theatre here,” said Judy Short of Princeton Rotary.
The idea grew from there to better facilitate rentals for weddings, graduation ceremonies, use by local clubs and organizations and the possiblity of hosting cooking programs.
“The kitchen opens the Riverside Centre to a whole new world of possibilities, said Nadine McEwen - Recreation and Cultural Coordinator for the Town of Princeton.
The silent auction raised $495 thanks to the people that placed their bids and to the generous donations from Tim and Del Hall, Jim Barnes, Mac’s Auto Parts, Fred Bergsma, Thomasina’s, Princeton Golf, Vermilion Forks Fitness, Princeton Centennial Pool, Lotus Medical Acupuncture and Art’s Council members and supporters.
The remaining funds raised through ticket sales, refreshment sales and the end of evening pie auction, added up to about $800 resulting in approximately $1300 raised for the kitchen on Saturday evening.
The next event that includes fundraising for the Riverside Kitchen Project will take place on March 1, 2014 with the return of the Princeton Rotary Mid Winter Wine Festival and Taste of Princeton Appetizers. The event will take place at the Riverside Centre at 7 p.m.