CORNWALL, Ontario – It was a holly jolly day at the Crooked Cashé nightclub on Saturday, Dec. 3, as the bar hosted a family event featuring local craft vendors and raised nearly $4000 for Rachel’s Kids.
Along with unique crafts available for purchase, the Christmas Market featured photos with Santa, a children’s activity area, a wrapping centre manned by Cornwall Community Cheer (a local organization that spreads goodwill throughout the city), a hot chocolate bar, and delicious holiday themed adult beverages.
“We really wanted to put a different spin on the regular craft sales that have become a bit monotonous” said event organizer Shannon Ferguson, of Rhoice Marketing & Events. “We wanted people to be able to enjoy a drink while they did their Christmas shopping and really see how great this space is”.
The Market also featured a unique downtown sleigh ride, allowing people to view the city centre while being pulled by two large Clydesdale horses. The horse drawn carriage drew the attention of many passerby as they waved and took photos from their cars.
“It was an idea we came up with to try to showcase downtown in a different way. Everyone is always saying there’s nothing going on in Cornwall so we wanted to give people something cool to do” said Ferguson.
Giving back to the community was the main goal of the event organizers, which also included Kate Dwyer, of Kate Dwyer Designs, and Matthew Girgis, owner of the Crooked Cashé nightclub.
“A lot of people in Cornwall need help during the holidays and we wanted to make sure families, and especially kids, could have a Christmas to look forward to” explained Girgis.
The organizers decided to donate their proceeds to Rachel’s Kids, an organization that helps fund programs and care for local area children. The event also received food and clothing donations for the Agapé Centre, in exchange for free entry.
Dwyer was excited with the local support and the turnout.
“We are so happy that we could help the community and that we raised this much in only the first year! To hear the great feedback from people and how much they enjoyed the day really makes it a true success”.
The total amount raised includes a matching from Scotiabank, as well as entry and sleigh ride fees, hot chocolate bar donations, a Silent Auction, a raffle, and a 50/50 draw.
Said Ferguson “The amount of support is amazing to see. From local businesses who donated prizes all the way down to the volunteers, the vendors, and the people who attended, we really proved that Cornwall does have great holiday spirit”.
The Crooked Cashé is located behind Kastner’s and regularly runs as a nightclub for those 19+.
