by Brenda Gibson
Last March’s column opened with a reference to spring bursting forth in bright-green growth and fresh blossoms.
After an unprecedented winter of snowfall and associated chaos, it’s comforting to have a number of much-loved annual traditions on the horizon to get us through.
If you – like me – are going a bit stir-crazy and find yourself eager to enjoy a night out sampling the delights of local cuisine, Semiahmoo Rotary’s 16th annual Wine and Dine on April 11 is the perfect event.
This popular dining extravaganza features a three-course dinner aimed at raising funds for Rotary projects and supporting local restaurateurs.
Tickets are $60 per person for a block of three restaurants and include trolley service between each venue, an entry into a draw for a $100 gift certificate, and a $10-off loyalty coupon good for any of the 12 participating restaurants until Dec. 31.
Each restaurant graciously donates all food and service costs – thus, without their support this event would not be possible.
Thank you to the participating restaurants: Giraffe, Ronny G’s, Jan’s on the Beach, Washington Avenue Grill, Uli’s, Cosmo’s, 5 Doors, Onyx, Boathouse, Tap, Sheila’s and Kin Thai Kitchen.
Ticket sales began March 13, and they can be purchased at White Rock Travel (1472 Johnston Rd.), by cash or cheque only. Sponsorship opportunities are available – visit semiahmoorotary.org or follow Semiahmoo Rotary on Facebook.
Looking even further ahead to the glory and warmth of summertime (oh please, let it be a good one!), Semiahmoo Rotary is delighted to unveil plans for their 28th annual golf tournament being held at Morgan Creek Golf Course on June 22.
As the club’s largest annual fundraiser, to date this tournament has raised almost $1.3 million, with $900,000 donated to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.
This year’s supported cause is the pediatric treatment rooms to be constructed in the hospital’s new emergency department.
This specific sponsorship is near and dear to the hearts of Rotarians internationally as it directly aligns with one of Rotary’s six areas of focus – maternal and child health.
These rooms are a vital upgrade, as nearly 7,000 children per year are being treated in a single room, inappropriately situated beside the mental-health treatment room.
With a change of golf course, this year’s Texas Scramble tournament will also feature a new format – corporate and friendly foursomes are welcome, and the tournament features on-course contests and activities, prizes, meals and entertainment. Many high-profile sponsorship opportunities are available.
Register and/or donate now at www.semirotarygolf.com. Reach out to co-chairs Larry Whitehead (ldw@venturesnorth.com) and Jim Purcell (jdpurcellbiz@gmail.com) with any further questions.
With these two fun events to look forward to as well as the book sale (April 22-29), Shredathon (TBA), Earth Day (April 22) and SASSY Awards (May 12) just around the corner, we might just have the fortitude to make it through another snowfall. Maybe.
Brenda Gibson writes on behalf of the Semiahmoo Peninsula’s five Rotary Clubs. For information she can be reached at brenda_gibson@shaw.ca