MINDEMOYA—A 102nd birthday party celebration for the Mindemoya Old School was held August 12.
“There was a fantastic turnout,” stated Alison McAllister, a member of the FOMOS board, which hosted the event. “We were super excited to see the response, and everything was such a success.”
There were numerous activities and things to do. There was musical entertainment, about 20 vendors on hand, a silent auction, online art auction, a 50/50 draw, prize bingo, kids’ games, a barbecue, and free treats table with sweets, popcorn and coffee.
The band The Islanders provided the music for the day. “They made the event extra special,” said Ms. McAllister. “They are a great bunch of guys, and they contribute to all our events, and many others around the Island.”
“It is unbelievable how giving people are from our communities,” stated Ms. McAllister, “We had donation jars set up and it seems everyone gave to the cause.”
Ms. McAllister explained “this project with the Old School is not about our group (FOMOS). Initially the whole idea was to save the old school, but it is becoming a mission for the community and to build more business activity (with the upstairs floor of the Mindemoya Old School) to be an area where artists, artisans and vendors can set up booths, and have an area for older adults to be able to hold activities and events in the downstairs area of the school.”
FOMOS is hopeful to open the Mindemoya Old School main floor in 2024.
“The online art auction was a huge success, with 19 of the 20 pieces of local artists’ and artisans’ works being bid on,” said Ms. McAllister. “We made over $2,000 toward the old school through the online auction.”
The 50-50 raffle draw (which saw all 1,000 tickets sold) was won by Dante Frescura of Sudbury, who owns a cottage in Providence Bay. He won a cash prize of $2,500.
