On April 28 the Zeal for Teal ovarian cancer scrapbooking and crafting fundraiser will take place at the PMD Arena.
Organizers say the event promises to be anything but ordinary, as the 4th annual fundraiser will incorporate “wild west” theme. Registration is just about at capacity for the event and last minute plans are being put in place.
Zeal for Teal was the brain child of Amanda Newton, daughter of ovarian cancer survivor Glynis Belec. Newton was looking for a way to deal with her mother’s diagnosis and help raise awareness and support other women at the same time.
Newton planned and shared her idea with Belec and soon Zeal for Teal was born. In 2008, the first Zeal for Teal fundraiser for the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope was held at the Drayton Reformed Church. In subsequent years, attendance increased so the venue was shifted to the Drayton arena.
“I’m so thrilled and moved by the support of our family and friends, locally and those far away,” Newton said. “I’ve had people reach out in many ways; if they are unable to participate by attending they offer to help by generously donating prizes, monetary gifts and more.
“People just want to help out of the goodness of their hearts and because of that, we will be able to show our guests a fantastic time once again this year.”
All profits from this event go to the “Sunflower Seeds” team for their 2012 Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope. Belec, Newton and her two children will once again return to Barrie and participate in the national walk in September.
In Canada, the most recent statistics about ovarian cancer indicate 2,600 women are diagnosed annually and 1,750 women die from the disease each year. Only 30% will survive five years, but with early detection and treatment, the five year survival can be as high as 90%.
Ovarian cancer has often been called the silent killer because the signs and symptoms are vague and often go unnoticed until it is found in the later stages.
Organizers say community support for Zeal for Teal has been astounding, including “teal Fridays” at the Moorefield, Drayton and Arthur Royal Bank branches. Bank employees graciously participate by wearing teal t-shirts each Friday and donating $2 to the Sunflower Seeds. Last year they raised over $200 for the cause, thanks to the initiative of Royal Bank Manager Amber Tuck.
The general public is invited to visit throughout the day on April 28 and partake in what organizers call “a little down-home hospitality.”
For $5 visitors can enjoy refreshments, visit the vendor’s alley and check out the silent auction, the penny table and the general store.
For $10, visits can be timed around the lunch hour (between noon and 1pm) and enjoy food prepared by Ann Kabbes and Yvonne Timmerman.
Details about Zeal for Teal can be found on the website at http://www.zealforteal.blogspot.com. More information about Ovarian Cancer Canada can be found at www.ovariancanada.org.
If anyone cannot make it to the April 28 event but would like to make a donation to the Sunflower Seeds Walk of Hope team, contact Glynis Belec at gbelec@bell.net .
