“Keeping Them Coming Back” – Effective Donor Stewardship Practices Jan. 7 & 8, 2014

Donor Stewardship Workshop

 Seminar January 7 or 8, 2014

 

Stewardship is one of the most undervalued and underemployed stages of the donor cultivation process.  When most organizations speak of stewardship, they are referring to public expressions of gratitude, visibly displaying the names of their biggest supporters or perhaps mailing copies of their annual report to their most avid benefactors.  Some non-profit groups view stewardship as an activity that is reserved strictly for its major donors (usually people or groups who give in excess of $500 annually) which tragically results in the loss of several entry-level and intermediate supporters who take their generosity elsewhere.

Effective stewardship practices do not focus on one segment of donors at the expense of one another, but acknowledges the collective investments of supporters from all giving levels.  Effective stewardship practices do not involve a passive approach of thanking and communicating with donors only at certain times of the year, but engages supporters several times throughout the calendar year so they increasingly develop an affinity for the organization’s mission.  Most importantly, effective stewardship does not allow treasured donors get away, but it keeps them coming back!

Stewardship is the missing link in many charitable organizations’ cultivation strategies and is the link to long-term sustainability.  By participating in this workshop, registrants will learn how stewardship connects donors with the mission and vision of their organizations they support.   Registrants will also develop an understanding of how stewardship transforms a donor’s passive interest into passion for the cause.  Best of all, registrants will see that stewarding relations with donors is a role that everyone within the organization can play.

Among the lessons that registrants will learn by enrolling in this session:

• The differences between recognizing and stewarding donors;
• How and why stewardship is such an important component of the donor cultivation process;
• How stewardship can solidify and advance relations with current donors and revitalize ties with lapsed supporters;
• How to utilize stewardship to procure financial and in-kind support from corporate donors, foundations, service clubs and other institutional supporters;
• How organizations can methodically and strategically track relations with individual and institutional donors;
• The range of stewardship techniques and strategies that anyone within an organization can employ to advance relationships with all donors.

 

TWO (2) AVAILABLE DATES:

 

1)      Tuesday, January 7^th, 2014 OR 2) Wednesday, January 8^th, 2014

 

TIME:  10:00 am to 4:30 pm

 

LOCATION:  Lexington Inn & Suites Windsor, 2130 Division Road, Windsor, Ontario

 

PRESENTER:  Mike Paquet, Principal, People First Resource Development

 

TARGET AUDIENCE:  Staff, board members, clients, past board members, former staff members, community partners and volunteers from small to large non-profit organizations.

 

During his 20-year career in fund development, Mike Paquet has helped several community-based and grassroots non-profit groups throughout Southern Ontario to implement long-term sustainable fundraising and resource development programs.  Driven by the concept that “people give to people”, Mike has enabled several organizations to discover the enormous potential of major gift fundraising.  Currently, Mike is the Principal of People First Resource Development and remains steadfastly committed to guiding non-profit groups towards long-term viability by emphasizing the importance of cultivating strong relations with individual and institutional donors in the community.

 

COST:  $120 (Lunch, coffee, tea and refreshments are included.  Payment may be made by cash or cheque).  Please make cheques payable to “People First Resource Development”.

 

TO REGISTER:  Call to reserve your space at (905) 318-6130.  You may also reserve your space by sending an email to the attention of Mike Paquet at peoplefirstrd@cogeco.ca .

 

Visit www.peoplefirstrd.com

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, Dec. 26, 2013

To help Canadians celebrate Boxing Day, Ken Hoffman, Exec Director of the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl has invited Magda Kaminski to sing the Canadian National Anthem at the Holiday event on December 26, 2013 at Ford Field.  Kaminski, who resides in Windsor, is the award winning bilingual Polish-English songstress.  She recently received another recording industry award in California.

 

Hoffman was pleased to make the announcement regarding Kaminski at the Biz X Magazine Holiday Party at the Ambassador Golf Club in Essex County.  He said, “American football is so international currently, it is a global game with leagues now in Germany, Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic.  It is natural to reach out to our Border City neighbors.  We have so much global support with our major marketing sponsors.  Detroit is so networked to Europe and around the world.”  

 This is just another way that the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl is celebrating the rich history between Windsor and Detroit sports.  This year’s game will feature the champions from the Mid-American Conference, Bowling Green State and an at-large team from the A.C.C., the Pitt Panthers.  The LCPB events are a celebration of excellence for the teams involved.  Host hotels for the participating schools will be the Motor City Casino & Hotel and the Detroit Westin on Washington Blvd.

 

Hoffman, who also coordinated the former International Bowl in Toronto added, “We hope Ford Field is the Boxing Day destination after some Detroit shopping and holiday fun.  You will also be able to get a sneak peak at the outdoor ice rink going up inside of Comerica Park for the New Year’s Eve game between the Detroit Red Wings Alumni and the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni.  We will have some added value fun events at the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, including a new collector’s pin.  Plan to come early and stay late.”

 

The Little Caesars Pizza Bowl will be on Thursday, Dec. 26, at 6 p.m. at Ford Field.

To get your tickets call 877-212-8898   or log onto  http://www.littlecaesarspizzabowl.com/



Click to enlarge

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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Drop A Few Bucks in a Biz X Kettle for the Salvation Army This Holiday Season!

CTV and Biz X magazine help Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Crichton, CTV News Anchor and Windsor Advisory Board Member, as the first ever “Christmas Kettle Champion” in the City of Windsor.

“We are thrilled that Jim Crichton has agreed to assist us with our Christmas Kettle Campaign this year as the honourary Champion,” says Perron Goodyear, Public Relations & Development Representative.  “Jim has been an active community leader for many years and we are confident his willingness to champion our cause will enhance our ability to provide hope and dignity at Christmas and throughout the year.”

As Christmas Kettle Champion, Jim will actively promote the Kettle Campaign in various ways including in-person, via YouTube Videos and in PSA’s.  In addition he will be available for media interviews throughout the campaign.

 

Photo by Rod Denis for Biz X magazine

"Giving Hope Today. The important work of The Salvation Army takes place every day,” says Crichton. “But perhaps no single season is more important than the Christmas Kettle campaign. It is your generosity this time of year that enables The Salvation Army to fund its caring work. Please join me in supporting The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle campaign.  It’s important to so many individuals and families – and I know you’ll feel good helping."

Biz X magazine is proud to sponsor two kettles as well... one at Devonshire Mall and Wal-Mart (Lauzon).  So put a little something in our kettles during your Christmas shopping and help us raise more funds for the Salvation Army!

The annual Christmas Kettle Campaign has been The Salvation Army's single largest public appeal in Canada since 1906.  The Windsor Christmas Kettle Campaign will run from November 18 – December 24 at 18 locations throughout the City.  For more information please email: kettle@sallyann-windsor.org

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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Windsor Essex Book Expo: Sunday November 24, 2013

 The second annual Windsor Essex Book Expo takes place on Sunday, November 24, at the Caboto Club from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.  Admission is $1, half of which goes to charity:  Voices Against Poverty.  

Over 55 local authors will be on hand with their latest books, everything from children’s books, self-help books, murder mysteries, love stories, local histories and photographic art books.  Some authors will hold writer’s workshops to inspire others to begin writing, or to hone their craft.  There will also be activities for children.

Two of last year’s participants include Allison and Lauren Knight, who wrote: Mirror Mirror - Two bodies, One Soul.  Identical twins, they talk about bullying and social anxiety, depression and compulsive disorder, struggles that so many others face.  In their candid book, Allison and Lauren shed light on these issues from their unique perspective as inseparable twins.  They are one soul living in two bodies.

Roy Patrick James is also involved in the expo, as writer of Zapped by Design, Zithered by Wit.  It’s a cornucopia of art and literature containing over 160 poems, 60 illustrations, and a wealth of character, an artistic journey through a multitude of subjects and genres.  James is a short story contest winner for a cross-border magazine, The Artisan’s Well, a fine art and literary publication.

Mick Ridgewell is author of The Nightcrawler, about Scott Randall, a corporate V.P.  To celebrate a massive new deal, he plans to drive from Detroit to L.A. but, before he leaves, he makes a huge mistake. He cruelly dismisses a homeless panhandler on the street. Along the road, he swears he sees the panhandler again, and again.  Soon, he sees the man even in his dreams. No matter how he tries, Scott can’t escape him.  Instead of L.A., The Nightcrawler has a different destination in mind.

The Windsor Essex Book Expo was organized by Kit McCann, a local writer, who was born and raised in this area, who wants to feature known and lesser known authors whose books aren’t generally available in local book stores.  McCann hopes to put this area on the map for its proliferation of talent.  McCann also hopes the expo will encourage, and inspire, children to read and write, perhaps to become the next generation of local authors from Windsor-Essex.  

Further information is available by contacting Kit McCann:  kitmccann1@hotmail.com, www.windsoressexauthors.com



by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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Special Biz MiXer with Tons Of Prizes for Sparky's Toy Drive November 15, 2013!

-Nov. 15: After the 16th Annual “Biz X Awards Gala” (invite only) all award nominees and local biz pros are welcome to attend a special “Biz MiXer” at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts from 10 p.m. to midnight. Admission is a $10 donation to Sparky’s Toy Drive. DJ, raffles tickets for just $5 each include a chance to win tons of prizes and dancing too! Auction as well for dinner at the fire hall! Call 519-977-2199 to learn more or visit Biz X magazine on Facebook.

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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Chilifest Nov. 8, 2013, Help Out Our Firefighters!



click above to enlarge

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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Free Workshop on Oct 30 for Not-for-profit Organizations

United Way to Provide Free Workshop to Local Not-for-Profit Organizations in Preparation for the New Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act

 

On Wednesday, October 30, 2013, from 9 am to 11 am, United Way will be hosting a free workshop to local not-for-profit organizations in preparation for the new Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.   Event takes place at the Fogolar Furlan, Windsor Hall, 1800 North Service Road, Windsor. Admission is a donation of a food item to support local food banks.

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Facilitated by Dana Young and William Willis of the McTague Law Firm LLP, this workshop will assist local not or- for-profit organizations in understanding the new legislation, identifying the action steps to be taken, and determining a process to prepare for the changes.

 

Registration closes on Friday, October 25^th, 2013. 

Visit www.weareunited.com or call 519-258-0000 x 15 or email cgiglio@weareunited.com to register!


by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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"Pink Shades of Hope" Dinner for CIBC Run For The Cure To Support CBCF

Get your ticket now for the Oct 17  event, "Pink Shades of Hope "supporting the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure at the Ciociaro Club.

Doors open at 5:30 and dinner is served at 6:30. This will be an evening filled with amazing food, entertainment, survivor fashion show, silent auction and so much more!

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at any CIBC in Windsor while supplies last. 

Please like their face book page and to find more information at www.facebook.com/pinkshadesofhopehttps://www.facebook.com/pinkshadesofhope.

 click on the above poster to enlarge....

 

 

 

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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Purchase A Ticket For A Hospice Patient To Attend Oct. 4th Gala

Gala evening offers Hospice patients a night on the town

It’s been quite a long time since hospice patient Carl Dixon and his wife, Lisa, have been able to enjoy a carefree night of fun. But thanks to the generosity of hospice supporters, the Dixons, along with fellow hospice patient Dennis Solet and his wife, Julie, and others will be able to attend the 34^th Annual Evening for the Hospice Gala in October. And, they’ll be attending for free.

This year, donors and community partners were encouraged to purchase a table or individual tickets and send a Hospice patient in their own place. The response has been astounding as individuals and companies have come forward to give patients and their families a night off from worrying about medical diagnoses and, instead, giving them a chance to dress up and enjoy an evening of fun.

“We could not be happier with the response we’ve had,” says Fr. Matthew Durham, csb, Director of Community Engagement & Advancement at The Hospice of Windsor & Essex County. “This is just another example of how hospice supporters are so willing to go the extra mile to help our patients and families.”

The 34^th Annual Evening for the Hospice Gala takes place Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 at the Giovanni Caboto Club.

Sponsored tickets are available through the Hospice website or by contacting ...

Laura Lemmon

Communications Coordinator

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County

(519) 974-7100 ext. 2220

llemmon@thehospice.ca

The Hospice supports, educates and empowers people living with or caring for someone with a life-altering diagnosis. Founded in 1979, the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County is the largest community-based palliative care facility in Canada. To date, our innovative programs and services have supported and educated more than 30,000 people.

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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Sign Up Now For the 5th Annual “Ride for MS”

Biz X magazine is proud to sponsor once again, The 5th Annual “Ride for MS” sponsored by the Lone Wolf Clubhouse – all funds raised stay local with the MS Society of Canada (Windsor-Essex Chapter) to be used locally to benefit those with MS.

Poker Ride starts & ends at the Knights of Columbus (Columbus Centre of South Windsor), 2401 Columbus Drive. Registration 9 a.m. Ride departs at 11 a.m. Registration includes ride & full buffet dinner.

Cost: Rider $30 (FREE with $100 in Pledges); Passenger $20 (FREE with $100 in Pledges). Door/raffle prizes, 50/50 & Chinese Auction. 

Check http://lonewolfclubhouse.com/ride-for-ms.php for full event details or call Shar, 798-3858  AND SIGN UP TODAY!!!

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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The TALL SHIPS® Are Coming, Get Your Boarding Pass By August 30,2013!

From August 31 to September 2, 2013, four Windsor-Essex communities will be working together to hold the Coastal Trails: Sails to See Festival.  This exciting festival will celebrate our regional collaboration bringing together four communities to commemorate their shared stories over the course of one jam-packed weekend. 

This year the focus of the festival is the Commemoration of the Battle of Lake Erie, a historic moment in 1812 that led to the burning of Sandwich Town, Amherstburg and the British loss of Lake Erie.  Our region will host a TALL SHIPS® festival, entitled "Sails to See" welcoming numerous tall ships to our region, with each port hosting family fun themed programming all weekend long.

Each community will have a unique signature event encouraging residents and visitors to explore and travel the area to each of our participating ports to experience the tall ships docked in our waters.

All communities will feature performers—both theatrical and musical, games, and other marine related activities celebrating the 200 years of Peace between Canada and the United States of America.   In keeping with the tradition of TALL SHIPS® festivals from around the world, lovers of art, music, food and wine, families young and old will attend this dynamic festival.

Purchase your Boarding Pass before it is too late!
Available online, by phone, and at select locations around Windsor and Essex. 

With each boarding pass ($15), you get:

-Access all weekend to all 9 Tall Ships ($5 savings)

-25% off admission to Fort Malden National Historic Site

-25% off admission to Point Pelee National Park

-Complimentary wine tastings at the 6 participating Stowaway 1812 producing wineries

Visit www.coastaltrails.ca or call 519.255.6530 for more information.

 

And check out the summer issue of Biz X magazine for complete details!

http://www.bizxmagazine.com/issues/July-August-2013/

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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Back To School Savings Have Begun....Start With Your Ink Cartridges!

Cartridge World, the world’s leading retailer of eco-friendly ink and toner printer cartridges, is helping new college students in the Windsor area find the right printers this back-to-school shopping season.

As local students head to college this fall, their list of necessities seems never ending. In addition to text books and computers, a reliable printer is usually an essential purchase for any college student.

“Finding a top quality, budget-friendly printer isn't as easy as it sounds. Cartridge World can help,” said John Fraser, owner of Cartridge World - Windsor. “At Cartridge World, we‘re local home and office printing experts. Before jumping on the first ‘great printer deal’ you find, talk to one of our trained staff. We may be able to save a lot of headaches and a small fortune in the long run.”

 

Customers can purchase a printer through Cartridge World - Windsor, and the store’s staff is ready to assist and make recommendations on a variety of printer models. Cartridge World - Windsor also can help determine potential savings on ink and toner cartridges purchased through the store.

Over a four-year period, eco-friendly ink and toner cartridges for popular home printer models can save a student as much as $800 over new cartridge prices. Shipping is available if a local Cartridge World store isn’t located near a student’s college campus.

 

Fraser offers a few easy tips to help local students find the best printer to take to college:

1. Determine the cost for ink. Over the lifetime of a printer, the cost of ink can be 10 times as much as the purchase price of the printer.

2. Stay away from tri-color ink cartridges. They cost a fortune because when one color is empty, you need to replace the entire cartridge.

3. Look for a machine that will fit your room. The average dorm room is fairly small and your desk isn’t likely to have room for a big, bulky printer. Choose a printer that’s small enough to fit the space.

4. Evaluate your printing needs. Take into account what type of classes you will be taking, including if the class requires printing large research documents, high-quality photographs, etc.

5. Look for reliability. Take expert advice on printer reliability, read reviews and make sure the printer is easy to use.

With more than 1,400 stores across the globe, Cartridge World is the world’s largest specialty retailer of ink and toner printer cartridges. The company sells printer cartridges for home and office printers, copiers and fax machines.

 

For information about Cartridge World’s eco-friendly products or recycling empty printer cartridges, visit Cartridge World - Windsor, located at 5124 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor, contact owner John Fraser at (519) 944-1155 or windsor@cartridgeworld.ca, or visit www.CartridgeWorld.com.  To learn how much a business can save on office printing costs, visit Cartridge World’s online savings calculator.



by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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Farm To Fork August 18, 2013

THE CULINARY GUILD OF WINDSOR

Proudly Presents

FARM TO FORK - A Culinary Tour of Windsor Essex
August 18th, 2013 ~ 11:00a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

 

 - The Canadian farmlands and prairies symbolize our ideals of hearth and home. It's where independent family farms, especially those right here in Essex County, remain the fabric of our Canadiana heritage and continue to produce the best of everything from vegetables, fruits and legumes to grains and rice to purveyors of pork, poultry, game, beef, lamb and even perch and pickerel.

And, it's through the dedication of our local farmers, that families gather daily during mealtime for nourishment and the sharing of stories and laughter.

The Culinary Guild of Windsor is proud to help support the efforts of our Essex County farmers and purveyors by bringing their bright, fresh flavours to you with FARM TO FORK  - A Culinary Tour of Windsor Essex


The Farm to Fork Culinary Feast will take place at the Riverside Sportsman Club on Sunday, August 18th, 2013  between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.   Wine tasting available by Coopers Hawk Vineyards.  Tickets are $45 and includes tastings at all 10 food stations.  Tickets can be purchased at The Walkerville, 1840 Wyandotte St. ; Colonial Coffee, 3110 Marentette Ave; or by calling 226-344-6415.

All food stations at the Farm to Fork event will be created by esteemed Chefs of the Culinary Guild of Windsor utilizing  produce and meats from local purveyors and farmers within Windsor Essex County:

Rabbit Station prepared by Chef Helmut Merket: Rabbit Hasenpfeffer, accompanied with Red Cabbage and Potato Rosti

Duck Station prepared by Chef  Dave Dimoglu: Confit  of Duck on a Scallion Pancake with 3 Sauces 

Chicken Station prepared by Jr. Chef Dana Miller: Shredded Chicken Tacos in Mole with Local Corn Salsa and Queso Fresco.

Goat Station prepared by Chef Cristina Pedraza:: Filipino-Style Goat

Pork Station: prepared by Jr. Chefs Angelko P & Adelina Sisti: Pork 3 Ways

Beef Station prepared by Chef Mike Delmore: Smoked Beef Brisket on Brioche Bun served with Coleslaw

Vegetarian Station prepared by Chef Dave Nugent: Lentil Rice with Caramelized Onions.  Baby Red Potato Salad with Dill,  Horseradish                                                                                                  and Balsamic Dressing. Spelt Salad in Orange Dressing

Fish Station prepared by Chef Ron Hart: Local, Fresh-Caught perch & Pickeral

Lamb Station prepared by Chef Catherine Davies and Chef Vincenzo DelDuca: Lamb Spedini Wrapped in Warm Pita

Dessert Station prepared by Jr. Chef Veronica Mancini: Mini Dark Chocolate Cakes infused with Raspberry Essence, iced with Raspberry  Buttercream, drizzled in Chocolate Glaze and topped with Sugared Raspberries. Mini Lemon Blueberry Cakes iced with Lemon Curd Buttercream and topped with Sugared Blueberries

Wine: provided by Cooper's Hawk Vineyards

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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Career Day Aug. 14, 2013 at Canadian College of Health Science & Technology

Local Employment & Training Services Community Organizes “WINDSOR COMMUNITY CAREER DAY” a Job Fair & Training Expo

Canadian College of Health Science & Technology has teamed up with Workforce Windsor-Essex, Employment Training Services (City of Windsor), Windsor Women Working with Immigrant Women, Windsor Employment Assessment Centre, and New Canadian Center of Excellence to hold a community service day open to the public with the goal of maximizing our local labour markets potential and provide the “tools for success” in a one-stop-shop format.

This event will be the first of its kind to focus on delivering career services and resources “on-the-spot” to satisfy one simple goal to connect job-seekers with available “Free” career resources in our community. Having the appropriate resources will ensure every job candidate is equipped to put their best foot forward and have the right tools to show-off their full potential to employers.

 

Career Day Details:

On August 14^th from 10am – 2pm Canadian College of Health Science and Technology and partners will be hosting the Windsor Career Day event.  The event will take place outdoors in Canadian College of Health Science and Technology parking lot at 1737 Walker Rd, where attendee’s will take-part in an appreciation BBQ, free career resources, featured presentations, and one-on-one career counseling. There will be displays from local employers, resource centers, and other Employment Ontario agencies.

 

Career Day Free Resources:

·         Workforce Windsor Essex - Skill Database

·         Resume Workshop

·         Interview Workshop

·         Career Counseling

·         Education Specialist 

·         Local Employers on-site

·         Featured Presentations: “Careers in Demand”, “Resume Building”, “and “Interview Success”.

Windsor-Essex County has a diverse, unique labour market, filled with opportunity. To find a stable, rewarding career as Windsorites we need to equip ourselves with the right “tools for success”, says Chris Mingay of Canadian College of Health Science & Technology. The purpose of this event is to fill the gap and provide job seekers and college graduates alike with a solid career tool-belt.

 

 

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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The “10th Annual 2013 Wheatley Idol,” Sunday, August 4, 2013

Small Town, Big Talent Ready to Hit the Stage at Wheatley Idol – Celebrating 10 years!!

A little town with big talent! Who would have known that there was such amazing talent in such a little town? Youth from all around Southwestern ON will hit the stage at the “10th Annual 2013 Wheatley Idol,” which is taking place Sunday, August 4 at the Two Creeks Conservation Area in Wheatley. Wheatley Idol is a part of the annual Wheatley Fish Festival, which takes place the Civic Holiday Weekend Aug 2, 3, & 4.

Organizer of the event Darla Janzen told Biz X Magazine  (a proud sponosor of the event) the talent competition, which was started by the Wheatley Optimists, has grown since it began, and this feature attraction continues to grow.

“It remains to be a really popular event supporting Canadian talent in SW Ontario, ” she says. “Our goal and our passion have been to provide a showcase venue for talented youth in Canada's most southern mainland. We set another record year when we opened up the online pre-registration on May 15, and filled up fast, within just 24 hours!”

Season 10 registered contestants are from the Wheatley area and reach as far out as Windsor and Meaford. Janzen credits their enthusiastic Wheatley Idol members, their website, along with the media and other mediums for helping get the word out.

Janzen indicated a large crowd is anticipated again this year for the event. Preparations for the competition are going smooth, and contestants are now posted! Contestants come from all around to compete for the star-studded recording package and vying for the coveted Wheatley Idol title “Overall Winner – Top Star”.  The competition also draws hundreds of spectators, who offer support and encouragement for the great talent that takes to the outdoor stage. New to last year’s winners was the “Overall Runner-up Winner”. The singing competition is broken down into four age categories (6-9, 10-12, 13-16, and 17-29). “Celebrity judges” determine the 14 winners – 3 winners from each category, and in addition, an Overall Winner – Top Star, and Runner-up Winner – Rising Star are also chosen. Though it’s a singing competition, there are singer/songwriter talents that add to the mix, making it a diverse group of contestants.

“This year’s celebrity judges include local recording artist, singer/songwriter Nicole Barron, Country 95.9 & 92.7 FM morning host Cordell Green, and Amber Dubois, the 2012 Wheatley Idol Overall Winner, ” explains Janzen.

There are great prizes for all the winners! Darla is excited to announce the four 1st place winners from this year’s contest will also be invited to be guest singers at the 2013 Comber Fair - Miss Comber Fair Pageant.

 “We’ve tried to put a bit of everything into it, so it’s appealing to everybody,” she says.

Admission to the event is absolutely FREE, and open to the public as a free concert. Rain or shine! The Two Creeks outdoor amphitheatre makes for a wonderful woodland setting, and in the event of rain, the pavilion is available. Door prizes for the audience can be won and are drawn during the judge’s deliberations.

Food from the Wheatley Scouts will be for sale, and Country 95.9 & 92.7 FM, and MIX 96.7 FM Radio out of Leamington will be on hand during the event to give out free swag. Bring your lawn chairs and Idol cheers! Celebrity Emcees Dustyn Janzen and Corey Robertson, local celebrity personalities, will keep everyone entertained and well informed throughout the event.

Janzen says it is mind-blowing the talent out there, and some yet to be discovered. It has been wonderful to see the young talent grow over the years, and watch the up & coming artists to break out.

We encourage the public to come out to the event and enjoy the entertainment, and see who will be “Season 10 – 2013 Wheatley Idol Winners” on Aug 4th.  Check out their Facebook fan page and website for more details, Idol highlights, and news!  “Stay Tuned, Stay Connected!” with Wheatley Idol on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Idol Alerts! http://wheatleyidol.yolasite.com/

 

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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