LITTLE CURRENT—Manitoulin Streams’ Jackets and Jeans Gala fundraiser has roared back with a vengeance following its pandemic hiatus. The sold-out gala was held at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre in Little Current and, as usual, the bidding on both the silent auction and live auction items was intense and highly competitive. Among the most popular items up for auction were tickets and accommodation to see Rod Stewart in concert in Ottawa.
The gun raffle was also a big hit, with Rob Marshall taking home his choice of three firearms or a compound bow. Manitoulin Streams director Bob Florean was kept busy selling tickets, while vice-president Brian Ramakko had the honour of presenting the prize. The hunting tool of Mr. Marshall’s choice will be held at Ramakko’s Source for Adventure in Sudbury until transfer documents are completed.
One person who didn’t have to buy a ticket or bid to walk out the door with a great catch was volunteer nursery manager Ken Pearce—who was named Manitoulin Streams Volunteer of the Year for his tireless efforts on behalf of the organization. Mr. Pearce has not only provided literally thousands of trees for re-planting at the various remediation sites across Manitoulin Island, but had also provided seedlings for presentations and work with local students. Mr. Pearce was a founding member of the Manitoulin Area Stewardship Council, now part of Manitoulin Streams, and continued his dedication to the organization. His citation read, in part, “The results of his labours in our nursery and beyond are far-reaching and cross-generational.”
Mr. Pearce utilized his time at the microphone to briefly thank the board for the honour and then launch into a spirited exhortation of those attending to volunteer for Manitoulin Streams, noting the organization is doing outstanding work that benefits the entire Island.
Manitoulin Streams Chair Ted Williamson thanked the many volunteers who have stepped up to make Manitoulin Streams the international success it has become, noting that Manitoulin Streams would not be the organization it is today without the work of Mr. Pearce. Mr. Williamson took a sombre moment to remember long-time member and former chair Paul Moffatt who passed suddenly recently and the late Aldona Tribinevicius, wife of board member Al Tribinevicius, both of whose volunteer efforts were unflagging on behalf of the organization.
Manitoulin Streams manager Seija Deschenes provided an overview of the work that Manitoulin Streams has completed over the past year—including many hectares of phragmites removal from Island shores.
Master of ceremonies for the evening was Liam Campbell, whose voice managed to overcome the most excited of murmurings throughout the proceedings. Mr. Campbell announced the winners of the silent auction and raffle items throughout the evening.
Auctioneer Norm Morrell conducted the live auction with his usual combination of humour and fast-tonged banter.
The board of directors for 2023 include Algis Tribinevicius, Delmer Fields, Lynn Hughson, Ted Williamson, Brian Ramakko, Bob Florean, Neil Debassige and Elsa Lindfield.
Also recognized during the evening were the raffle and auction organizers, who included a number of board members and Lukas Arnold, Brandice Ramakko-Burke, Margo Yeomans, Brynn Kiley and Brittany Fournier.
