Ripley Reunion committee raises almost $60,000 for community projects

The Ripley Reunion committee has raised almost $60,000 for community projects.

Committee chairperson Amanda Farrell-Walsh was at Huron-Kinloss council Monday night (Nov. 16), to announce that the profit realized from the event, totalled $59,369.13. The reunion was held July 30 to Aug. 3.

"We had an amazing party," said Farrell-Walsh, "and it was highly successful. We thank Huron-Kinloss council for your support of the event, and to the municipal staff who were amazing. We couldn't have done it without them! Also, thanks to my fantastic reunion committee!"

She said the Sunday night event had to be cancelled due to inclement weather, but the committee had nothing to lose on that cancellation.

Handing an envelope to treasurer Jody MacArthur, Farrell-Walsh smiled and said, "We are pleased to return the municipality's money."

She then announced the total raised, and said a call has gone out to local groups and organizations to submit formal requests by Nov. 27. Send these requests to info@ripleyreunion.ca

"These aren't massive applications for grants," said Farrell-Walsh. "We would just like a brief outline of your group, what you do, and why you want the money. We want to have the funds disbursed by the end of the year."

"Thank you very much," said deputy mayor Wilfred Gamble, who was chairing the meeting in the absence of the mayor.

Gamble said he has been part of every reunion since 1975 and has been on the reunion committee for the past four events. "This was one of the best committees I've worked with; I was pleased to be involved."

"This was a good group," agreed Farrell-Walsh. "It was the least-dysfunctional of all."

"Congratulations," said councillor Jim Hanna, "you did a great job."