A press conference was held Monday (March 8) to kick off Ladies Night in Russell, an event which has become synonymous with major, expertly organized fundraising across the region.
Appropriately, the 2010 edition to be held May 7 was unveiled by co-chairs Judy McFaul and Lynne Rochon on International Women’s Day.
This year’s them is “Little Black Dress”. Every woman owns one, organizers say, and it’s the universal theme of a great party. They want you to put yours on, and come out to support this year’s designated charity, Fragile X Syndrome.
Over the past seven years since the event was first initiated at the Russell Arena, it has raised $150,000 for various charities. Recent Ladies Nights have been sell-outs, with 650 enthusiastic women expected this time around.
The only men who get into the show are working it, either at the bar, or in past events, as part of the entertainment lineup which has included every able-bodied man around town from Russell Township council members to firefighters. Bill Welychka of A Morning Ottawa will get in because he’s emceeing the event.
The evening starts at 5:30 pm with cocktails and the silent auction; supper is at 7 pm followed by entertainment. Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased through McFaul at 613-445-4161; more information is available at www.russellfair.com.
Sponsored by the Russell Agricultural Society with a lot of help from Scotiabank Russell, the ladies-only evening is also supported by ME Productions, Baystreet Salon & Spa, and Chez Lili Rentals.
Charities helped in the past include the Canadian Cancer Society, cystic fibrosis, juvenile diabetes, the family care room at Winchester District Memorial Hospital, Huntington Society of Canada, and the Look Good, Feel Better program.
First known as Martin-Bell Syndrome, Fragile X is the most common form of mental impairment affecting one in 4,000 boys and one in 6,000 girls of all races and ethnic groups.
While Fragile X sufferers have a normal life expectancy, most will need support and care for their entire lives. Noting that some local families contain victims of the hereditary syndrome, McFaul said funds raised by Ladies Night will go to general research into its treatment and cure.
In the past, Ladies Night has raised impressive amounts of money for selected charities, including $38,000 two years ago for the Huntington Society, the biggest single fundraiser for the cause held in Canada that year.
“Last year when we gave $25,000 to Look Good, Feel Better, they couldn’t believe all that money was raised in one rural community,” McFaul said. (T.V.D.)
