By: Aaraksh Siwakoti
With clovers covering the tables and signature drinks — Shamrockin’ Collins — in people’s hands, the Children’s Wish Foundation got a little “green” encouragement at the Shamrock Shenanigans event organized by Algonquin’s event management students on March 13.
Traditional Irish dancers from the Sue Fay Healy Dance School, tap dancing from Triple Trouble Fiddlers and The Lyon Street Celtic Band, who performed Celtic folk songs, entertained the crowd at Greenfield’s pub.
There was also a silent auction, photo booth and a treasure chest ceremony set up for the fundraiser.
“We chose to use a St. Patrick’s Day event because it is a theme that resonates with everyone,” said Natalie White, an event management student. “Whether you are old or young, most people are excited to dress up in green and down some green beverages.”
Shamrock Shenanigans ended up raising over $5,400, which exceeded their expectations.
“The goal is to raise $4,000 by the end of the night,” said Tawny Myers, event coordinator. “Everything has been going real well so far.”
The honourary chair of the Children’s Wish Foundation, Max Keeping, addressed the crowd during the show to praise the efforts of the event management students from Algonquin and told the crowd, “The money they make helps a child get a wish.”
Speakers at the start of the night talked about how their wishes were granted when they were younger and had little chance of surviving. They were thankful to the charity’s work and what their goal is for other children in similar positions.
Although the event was for a serious cause, the entertainers enjoyed performing for a charitable reason and kept it exciting.
“I knew a child from Costa Rica who was dying and they were part of the Make A Wish so it is a very important charity and it’s really nice that children get to fulfill their last wish with this foundation,” said Michelle Pion, a dancer from Sue Fay Healy.
“It was a lot of fun, it was really nice it’s always fun to dance with the other girls, it was a good event and it was for a good cause.”
The host for the evening, Austin Comerton from CHIN FM, also joined in on the fun. Joking throughout the night about the Irish setting and about supporters who were there.
“Is anyone here Irish?” he said to a silent house. “Well does anyone wish they were Irish?” he continued, to which the crowd roared back.
Myers explained that they had sold over 150 tickets prior to the start of Shamrock Shenanigans event and that the turnout was great for the night.
Supporters seemed to have really enjoyed the pre-St. Patrick’s day theme and helping the charity was a great deal for some.
“There was drinking, music and dancing for charity. What more could you really ask for?” said Dom Pacheco, a supporter. “Children’s Wish is a great foundation and this was an awesome way to help out.”
White explained that the event management group felt they had accomplished their goal for the night.
“Our goal was to raise money for the Children’s Wish Foundation and we raised $5,400!” said White. “We feel so privileged to have hosted such a powerful event for such a great cause.”