It’s a holiday fundraiser with a decidedly musical twist.
The fourth annual Dalla-Vicenza Holiday Food Drive has quickly become a family tradition, explain organizers Jordan Drolet-Tapin and Cassandra Allen.
The event was launched the first Christmas after their grandmother, Liette Dalla-Vincenza died.
And earlier this year, one of the original organizers, Daniel Cadieux passed away, so the event is now in honour of both of them.
As has been the case since the event made its debut, food and monetary donations are earmarked for the St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank.
myFM asked Allen to paint a picture of her grandmother.
Drolet-Tapin added she was “unbelieveably giving.”
The inaugural event was hosted at Railway City Brewery.
“She did like that brewery,” offered Drolet-Tapin. “She liked anywhere that offered live music. She was not a beer drinker, per se. She was more of like a cute little dainty drink kind of woman, but … I think she would have liked it. It could have been hosted in someone’s garage, and she would have been all about it.”
“But she was attracted to any place, like you said, that had live music,” added Allen. ” And also that had a lot of people, like, dancing and singing. Like, that was totally her vibe.”
However it quickly outgrew the venue, continued Allen.
“And then our second year, we actually hit capacity in the building. So we had promoted the event so much and we had gotten so many wonderful sponsors that we were like, if we don’t move this event next year, we’ll have to be turning people away.”
So, the family centred afternoon of good cheer has been moved to St. Anne’s Centre.
With the focus on music, of all genres, noted Drolet-Tapin.
Drolet-Tapin runs down the musical lineup confirmed so far.
There are several new additions this year including a kids’ corner with crafts, a visit from Santa and the Ciao Food truck on site for the afternoon.
Santa will be on hand from 2 until 4 p.m. so bring your phone or camera and volunteers will take a photo for you with a $2 donation.
Ciao Food will have a selection of modern Italian cuisine with the menu available to view at ciaofoodco.ca.
The event runs Nov. 30 from 1 until 5 p.m. at St. Anne’s Centre, 20 Morrison Drive in St. Thomas.
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Written by Ian McCallum
