Each time we step outdoors this time of the year, it’s hard to miss fall’s spectacular colours. Those varied and gorgeous shades of oranges, reds, golds and yellows make us realize our Fall Fundraiser campaign is aptly named. Because for every hue the season brings, we have a unique event happening somewhere in Canada.

Some Chapters have already held their event, while others are busy planning or putting the final touches on theirs. Below are some of the more unusual ones:

What’s It Worth?: Antique Appraisal Fair

The Kitchener-Waterloo Chapter held its second What’s It Worth? Antique Appraisal Fair on October 14. It collaborated with Doon Village Retirement Residence as the Residence provided beverages, the room for the fair and its staff to assist. The venue attracted many residents and their families, besides others in the community. Organiser Laura Shaver, Chapter Co-President says it is “super easy” to put the event together as one only has to get an appraiser (or a few) and a venue.

Though they had 3 appraisers in 2005, this year they got only one from a local antiques store. To increase net revenue (which mainly comes from an entrance fee and per item charge), the Chapter added a mini-raffle. This year’s ‘finds’ were antique rifles brought in by Gunther and Elisabeth Haertel. Appraiser John Champion of Recollections Antiques in Kitchener said the rifles were worth a minimum of $700 each!

(Above right) Appraiser John Champion of Recollections Antiques in Kitchener examines the antique rifles brought in by Gunther and Elisabeth Haertel.

Martini Madness National Capital Region has teamed up with club MTL & Co in Ottawa’s Byward Market to host a Martini Madness Fall Fundraiser. Tickets are priced at $10 (if bought in advance) or $15 (at the door) and include admission to the Martini Madness event and club MTL (after the fundraiser ends at 10 p.m.); and the chance to win one of several great prizes!  The event features a display of work from local artists and includes a raffle as well.

Poinsettias for Christmas

The Ajax/Pickering and Kingston Chapters have both decided to go the Poinsettia route for their Fall Fundraiser. They are pre-selling these potted plants in two sizes and in three different varieties – the traditional red, lighter pink and deep burgundy - till end November and then deliver them just in time for the Christmas season during the first two weeks of December. Through Chapter newsletters, email and word of mouth they hope to sell many of these festive plants to members, family, friends and colleagues and have already found a local supplier.

School of Mix

Vancouver’s Fall Fundraiser is a great of example of how youth and our quest for the cure can blend together like the perfect cocktail. Tyler Hazelwood, an ulcerative colitis patient in his twenties and owner of School of Mix, a bartending, DJ and wine education school, is donating 10 per cent of all bartending, DJ and Wine tuition fees to CCFC from September 1 to October 31. “This disease needs to be talked about. The more I talk about it, the more people I find out have it. It’s like a quiet epidemic,” Tyler says. He’s also getting the Vancouver art community involved and is putting together a multi-media exhibit to spread awareness among a younger age group. We’ll drink to that!

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National Family Dinner Night™ Results

On Thursday, September 21, thousands of families across Canada sat down at the dinner table together to celebrate what really matters most – time spent with family and friends. In doing so, they helped raise a phenomenal $27,163 for the CCFC in support of M&M Meat Shops’ second annual National Family Dinner Night™.

For everyone who registered their participation in National Family Dinner Night™ online, M&M Meat Shops made a $1 donation to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. Our heartfelt thanks to M&M Meat Shops and to every volunteer and supporter that registered for the event and made the time to share a delicious M&M Meat Shops meal with those about whom they care.