Elementary school dance benefits Rotary Park
By Megan Burke The Recorder and Times
Posted Feb. 10/12
Around 400 area Grade 6, 7 and 8 students' hands shot into the air when Brockville Police Insp. Scott Fraser asked if they would help to fundraise for their own large dance.
After all, each of them have a chance to go home with prizes, including two lucky fundraisers who get to leave with an iPad2.
About 15 area schools, 12 from the heart of Brockville along with Meadowview Public School, Lyn Public School and Front of Yonge Elementary School, have been invited to a MuchMusic Video Dance on Friday, February 17 at Thousand Islands Secondary School from 7 to 11 p.m.
“Lots of police officers and administrative staff have volunteered their time,” Sgt. Doug Locke said. “The dance will be well supervised.”
Students from the area have been given donation sheets to canvass the area, all in the name of the Rotary Park Revitalization Project, which will receive the funds raised by students.
Three previous dances of this nature were done in conjunction with the Brockville Police Service to raise funds for the skate park in the north end.
Along with funds raised by the students, Scotiabank has joined the cause and agreed to match whatever amount students raise, up to a maximum of $5,000.
Mac's Convenience, along with providing the two top iPad2 prizes, is also donating snacks and drinks to be sold at the event. Other local businesses are also being canvassed by the Brockville Police Service for prize donations.
During the first meetings of all parties involved in the planning of the dance Thursday morning, Brent Collett, chairman of the Rotary Park Revitalization Project, went over the details of the park's plans to show what the money would be used for.
The $1.3-million project still requires around $350,000. Remaining to be done are the building of change rooms and a mechanical room must be finished before the splashpad can be complete.
“We've got a busy spring ahead of us,” Collett said.
Rotary members also plan to introduce a beginners skate park in half of the rink area in the summer, with synthetic ice and moveable boards. The rink will become a full synthetic ice surface in the winter months.
During the week the dance runs, the Rotary Park Revitalization committee will hold one other event, plus a “non-event.”
On Monday, February 20, the committee will be holding a spaghetti dinner served by the Brockville Braves at the Mill restaurant in downtown Brockville. There is seating for 300 people, half at the first sitting from 4 to 6 p.m. and the other half being served from 6 to 8 p.m. A pre-dinner skate with the Braves on the new synthetic ice surface behind the Leon's store is also planned that day.
The “non-event” starts on Tuesday, February 14. The Valentine's Day Non-Event is about enjoying Valentine's Day with your loved ones while making a difference in your community, according to Collett.
The pledge-based non-event will run from February 14 to February 20 and those who make a pledge towards the Rotary Park revitalization will be eligible to win prizes.
Pledge forms can be dropped off at numerous restaurant and banking locations in Brockville.