As summer winds to a close and cooler weather sets in, the unmistakable aroma of pumpkin spice seems to waft in from all directions. Most of us can’t help but feel the pull of fall activities to celebrate the changing season and enjoy what’s left of the temperate weather before things get frosty once again.
One don’t miss local event that’s quickly approaching is the annual fundraiser for The Elliott Community in the heart of Guelph. The Great Harvest event will take place on Sunday, October 6 from 11:30 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. in the Community Centre at The Elliott at 170 Metcalfe Street in Guelph.
This year’s event offers an exciting new theme for the longstanding event known for many years as ‘The Great Escape’ and held in 2022 and 2023 as ‘The Great Escape Fall Fair’.
This year’s harvest theme makes perfect sense for an event whose purpose is to gather community supporters and raise funds for key resident support programming. The bountiful farm-to-table brunch buffet will feature a wide variety of creative and delicious selections to please every palate. Waterloo-based folk quartet Onion Honey will perform live, and there will be a fabulous silent auction for attendees to bid on.
While the location and theme have varied over the years, this event's core purpose remains the same: to gather a diverse group of supporters including generous donors, Guelph business and community leaders, Elliott Community residents and their families, neighbours, staff and volunteers to build connections, make lasting memories, and of course to raise funds for initiatives that enhance the lives of residents.
Heather Plewes-LaBerge, Fund and Community Development Coordinator at The Elliott Community, explained, “The Elliott has been providing care to seniors in Guelph for over 120 years as a not-for-profit home and nearly 300 seniors rely on us for compassionate, dignified, person-centered care in our retirement and long-term care home areas, and our independent living suites.”
The Elliott is grateful to its Presenting Sponsor, Silver Fox Pharmacy for generously supporting The Great Harvest.
“The Great Harvest will combine the best aspects of the champagne brunch-style events that preceded the pandemic - namely, the brunch and the bubbly - and the best of the fall fair events held in recent years, with indoor-outdoor activities, including some very cute farm animals,” said Plewes-LaBerge.
Adult tickets include admittance, brunch, two drinks, and one entry for a door prize.
Plewes-Laberge finished, “We are indebted to those that support our fundraising efforts, so we can support our residents. We hope to see you at The Great Harvest!”
Tickets for The Great Harvest are just $60, $40 for Elliott Community residents and staff, or $20 for youth, and can be purchased through the website here.
This article was sponsored by The Elliott Community, a 2024 GuelphToday Reader Favourite.