The Rotary Clubs of East York and Toronto Beach hosted our
2nd Annual
ROTARY LOBSTER NIGHT
Friday and Saturday evenings, May 23rd and 24th 2008

THANK YOU
to all our generous friends, neighbours and sponsors.

The banquet hall at Whistler’s Restaurant, Broadview and Mortimer, was filled both evenings. We all feasted on a luscious lobster or steak dinner, and danced and sang along to the nostalgic music of the Gibbings Family Four band and a Tribute to Elvis provided by rockin’ Wayne Jr.

Side tables overflowed with an eclectic range of Silent Auction items. There was something to tempt everyone, topped off by a Live Auction at the end of the evenings.

We heard from Marg Whelan, Executive Director of Geneva Centre for Autism, who described the nature of autism and the need for a separate adult-centered program space. Marg then introduced Matt Green who told us what Geneva has meant to him, and how much the new resource centre will offer adults with autism.

Luci Anderson, Director of Major Gifts for Providence Healthcare Foundation spoke about what a special place Providence is and the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s – a 24/7 job. Their Alzheimer Day Program offers therapeutic activities and caregiver education and support.

CHRISTMAS PARADE
Saturday, November 10, 2007.

Toronto Beach Rotary was proud to take part in the 2nd annual Christmas Parade organized by Community Centre 55. We all marched along Kingston Road from Victoria Park west to Walter and north to Community Centre 55.

The theme for the parade was “An old fashioned Christmas in East Toronto”. We decorated our float with Christmas trees and boughs, bright coloured ribbons and golden balls, and dressed as street carollers singing in the park.

It was a perfect day for the parade, cold and sunny. Everyone along the route was in high spirits. Great fun for all.

• Thank you to Louis’ Auto Service on the corner of Kingston Rd and Winthorpe for making room for us in his parking lot to decorate the float.
• Thank you to Danny from Alpine General Contracting, a Landscape and Snow Removal company, 416-414-9400, for loaning his fabulous red truck and flatbed so we could build a float. We have it on good authority that the truck got as many exclamations as the float.
• Thank you to Henley Gardens for loaning us the bench for our floating park.

Maureen, President Tom and Barb are dressed in period costume for Christmas carolling in the old town of East Toronto.

NIGHT OF 1000 DINNERS
November 6, 2007

Rotarians and guests joined together at Quigley’s on the Beach for the second annual Landmines dinner. Due to Quigley’s generosity -- they donate the entire four-course meal, we are able to pass along the entire ticket price to the Canadian Landmines Foundation.

And every cent of that money goes to clearing landmines, assisting the injured, and giving those who live in mine-infested countries a chance to build a safe future.

Our keynote speaker was Rotarian Seemoir Ho, Manager of Finance for the Canadian Landmines Foundation. It is inspiring to hear about the dangerous, lifesaving work being done first hand.

Our Clear-A-Landmine Raffle was a huge success thanks to the wonderful prizes, and the generosity of the guests:

• A hand-painted dinner tray, value $125, donated by artist Ann Francis Oakes.
• Delux floral basket, value $100, donated by Beachwood Flower Shop, 1916 Queen East.
• A gourmet basket of wines and cheeses, value $100, donated by Toronto Beach Rotary Club.

BEACHES JAZZ RUN
and WALK
Sunday, July 29th, 2007

This is an exciting new event that takes place during the fantastically popular Beaches International Jazz Festival. The full title is a meaningful mouthful: An Official Adidas Tune Up Run for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, assisted by the Beaches Running Room.

100% of the $15 entry fee for the Beaches Jazz Tune Up Run is donated to a great cause, The Toronto Beach Rotary Club in support of the Toronto East General Hospital Campaign. Being the first year, we expected around 200 participants. In the end, over 700 enthusiasts showed up to run or walk the course. The start was at the south end of Kew Gardens and moved west along the Martin Goodman Trail (paved bicycle path). The 20K run turned at Queen’s Quay.

Rotarians served up a healthy barbecue compliments of LIDO’S to the ravenous runners. An afternoon of JAZZ in the PARK concluded a very successful day on a high note.