St. Raphaels Ruins 2009

The Friends of the Ruins consider 2009 to have been most successful.

We welcomed Ed Allinott to our executive where he joined Ian McLeod, Joan P. MacDonald,Msgr. D.B. McDougald, Glenda McDonell, Diane Sturkenboom, David Anderson, Bernie McCulloch, Colleen Kennedy, Andrea Lauzon, Joan Ryan, Bruce MacDonell, Eleanor Macdonell and our honarary board member, Dave Smith.

Approximately 1500 visitors signed the guest book. Our student curator, Ryan Seguin, was on hand daily to get them.

Two major events were held. In July a Candlelight Dinner in the Ruins turned to a Candlelight Dinner in the Tent when Glengarry mist rained down. The decorating committee wasted no time in moving candles, flowers and twinkling lights to create a magical scene in the large tent turned dining room. The crowd enjoyed a buffet meal with steaks BBQed to perfection by Chef Dave Smith. Throughout the meal Celtic piano and harp music was provided by Mary and Grace Morris.

We are very grateful for the help given by Mary, Grace, and Dave Smith and the Scotia Bank for matching in funds the sale of dinner tickets and most of all to the loyal friends who came to enjoy the evening. In fact we had several inquiries if this would be an annual event.

The Msgr. D.B. McDougald Golf Tournament held annually on the Thursday preceeding the Glengarry Highland Games on the golf course in Alexandria was again an enjoyable day. The 144 golfers dotted the greens here and there with a variety of tartan. Many thanks go to Bernie McCulloch and his team for organizing the event.

Both of these events coupled with generous financial donations from loyal supporters have brought us within reach of the goal of being debt free. We hope to celebrate this milestone in 2010.

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