Advancing Crystal Beach hosts soirée in white to fund bursary for local students
September 8, 2024 at 5:26 AM
Advancing Crystal Beach (ACB) formed in 2015 and continues to play roles in several efforts to support the village in Greater Fort Erie it serves.
On Saturday, a “soirée” was held at the Bay Beach Club on Erie Road, a fundraiser in support of a bursary that will assist two graduating students next year.
Advancing Crystal Beach hosted a soirée on Saturday at the Bay Beach Club.Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie Radio
One pupil at Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS) and another at Lakeshore Catholic High School (LCHS) will benefit, said board member Scott Boumeester at the event at the waterfront clubhouse.
ACB also hosts a farmers’ market twice a month at Crystal Ridge Community Church on Elmwood Avenue through a partnership with United Way.
The group also played a role in the new Crystal Beach sign erected last year at Bay Beach.
“We’re starting to get a lot of momentum as an organization,” he said, adding it’s ACB’s goal to “uplift” the Crystal Beach community.
“The tide rises all boats,” he said.
Kathy Maxey and Gabrielle Wertsch with Advancing Crystal Beach co-founder Orma Bleeks on Saturday.Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie Radio
Orma Bleeks, one of the founders of the non-profit organization, said along with the ongoing bursary effort, the farmers’ market has been a rewarding project. About $500 of produce is purchased ahead of each event and sold for 25 per cent less than its cost.
“It’s gone in about 17 minutes,” she quipped.
“To be able to do those kinds of things is hugely important, and satisfying as well to know you’ve been a part of making that happen,” said Bleeks.
ACB also has a very small museum on Erie Road near its tourism information booth, which houses pieces of local history, much of it to do with “magical memories” of the Crystal Beach Amusement Park.
Organizers partnered with Cravings by Jayne, Katherine Ross, Between the Lines Winery, and the Green House Floral Bar to make the event extra special.
At 5 p.m., it appeared about 100 people were in attendance. Guests were encouraged to wear white.
Heidi Neal and Karen Magee at the soirée on Saturday.Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie Radio
GFESS principal Fred Louws, LCHS principal John Markovich, Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop, as well as representation from the office of MPP Wayne Gates were at Saturday’s soirée.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
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