Things were hopping at the Deer Run Golf Course last Friday evening during the Blenheim Beautification’s third annual fundraiser.  This year’s party theme was Motown and a good variety of party goers donned some pretty interesting get ups to make for a colourful and fun filled atmosphere.  The event, the third one sponsored by the Blenheim Beautification Committee, assists in raising funds that in turn assists with various beautification projects throughout Blenheim and surrounding areas.

The Beautification Committee is made up of Janice VandeHogen, Nancy Horak, Marja DeBrouwer, Nathalie Sanson, Mary Jane Smith, Jim Sanson, Adam Vandermey, Jan Taylor and Sue Birtch.  Janice VandeHogen who along with the entire committee worked together to put on the successful evening acknowledged that it’s a lot of work and that the community has supported the event very well over the course of the last few events.

Friday evening’s event was no exception as over 260 people came out for plenty of fun and great music and ohh yeah! Lots of dancing!  There were various food stations set up and everything from chicken skewers to mini burgers to ice cream treats to French fries, to mini quesadilla’s, some Greek sampling were served up throughout the evening.  Much of the evening was spent enjoying the music of the Legends, a band that belted out some of the Motown hits from the 50’s, 60’s, and the 70’s.  The group from Detroit called the Legend were sponsored by Adam Vandermey and Matt Foulis of Sunlife Financial.  The band played an excellent variety of 50’s, 60’s and 70’s tunes that were well received by the energetic dance crowd. Several donned excellent costumes showing their spirit for the evening’s event.  A silent and live auction was also held throughout the evening.  Some of the articles that brought in some sizeable donations were a back yard barbecue for up to 40 people that brought in $2050 dollars.  A fishing charter for ten brought in $850.00.  Some unique packages such as a Birthday party Like a Rock Star brought in $640.00.  Janice VandeHogen said the live auction was very well supported.  Other items consisted of a gourmet pizza party for 8 that brought in $310.00.  Another live auction item was a horse ride for two with the Friday Night Riders.  The successful bidder and a buddy received what was billed as an experience of a lifetime. They will experience life on the range with horse riding, cooking at the campfire and the other pleasures of the Friday Night Riders.  A Leaf Memorabilia print featuring the final game at Maple Leaf Gardens and signed by the 1999 Leafs including Blenheim’s Todd Warriner attracted a bid of $400.00.  There was also the ultimate wardrobe gift including $100.00 Gift certificates from the Little Change Room, Serena’s, Nina Marie’s, Simply Shoes and Ford McIntyre Men’s Wear.  Several other items were bid on it both the live and silent auction.  The event was deemed a success by organizers although final tabulations on proceeds were not finalized.