Since September 2009, the Choir has been fundraising for their trip to Mexico and the UFMCC General Conference. The Lone Hand Euchre Tournament – Friday Night Series was born in the backyard of Music Director, DIane Leah, with choir member Heather Magee and her partner Romelda Morson. Five nights, 64 players, door prizes, player prizes, simple food – hot dogs and chips, and a cash bar. That was the original idea. Raise some money for Mexico. Original fundraising goal: $10,000.
The turnout was amazing, we held a 50/50 draw that turned out to be very popular, the food/menu has changed dramatically (although the hotdogs are a mainstay) – we have added chili in the winter months, wonderful salads in spring/summer, and veggies & dip, and desserts and occasionally cake! Most importantly, however the Euchre Tournament nights have brought back an ongoing social activity to MCC Toronto that had been lacking for some time. People enjoy being with other people, meeting new people, and playing some cards at the same time. People have made friendships because we hold euchre nights – friends of folks who were strangers.
Because of this, the Euchre Nights were a huge success, and at the end of the fifth Euchre Night players begged to have the tournaments continue. Coordinators agreed to add three more nights to the series, to further support the Choir’s fundraising for Mexico.
The total raised over the 8 Euchre Nights was just shy of $18,000 and raised enough money to send 9 choir members to Acapulco.
The demand once again came up to continue with Euchre at MCC Toronto. The coordinators agreed, and Euchre Nights will continue to be a feature for The Choir as a means to fundraise. The next project the money will go towards is a new cd recording!
