Sleighing Hunger helps local charities and foodbanks raise $50K from the community, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the S’Aints, St. Clair College and Caesars Windsor
On Sunday, December 18, minutes before The S’Aints band hit the stage for a community holiday celebration, representatives from St. Clair College and Caesars Windsor shared the success of the Sleighing Hunger fundraising campaign. Through concert ticket and CD sales, plus Caesars Windsor Cares annual holiday donation, they unveiled a generous donation of $50,000 total to support five local non-profits and foodbanks: The Unemployed Help Centre, The Downtown Mission, Outreach for Hunger in Chatham, Welcome Shelter for Women and the Windsor-Essex Humane Society.
Ron Dunn, Director of Development & Community Relations of the Downtown Mission, said, “The money raised will directly benefit our community. This event is proof positive of the many amazing people in our community who give so freely of their time, treasure and talents. Windsor-Essex is blessed to have such strong corporate leadership in St. Clair College and Caesars Windsor.”
Brenda LeClair, Executive Director of Chatham Outreach For Hunger, reiterated the sentiment, “We are thrilled to be a part of this event and wish to thank everyone who worked so hard and gave so much to ensure that the work we do to provide for those in need continues. It was an amazing evening with first class entertainment. Thank you to all for making this gift possible.”
This was the third year the S’Aints band performed in The Colosseum for a special one-night event to raise funds for local charities. Over the past three years, over $135,000 has been raised for the local non-profits and foodbanks.
The S’Aints is a philanthropic passion project created by musicians and St. Clair College. Band members in the feature photo are (L-R): Marty Bak (Producer), Jeff Burrows (Drums), Kelly Authier (Keys and Vocals), Jody Raffoul (Lead guitar and vocals), David Cyrenne (Bass), Wes Buckley (Guitar and vocals) and Kelly “Mr Chill” Hoppe (Harmonica & Sax). The project gave them the opportunity to record, collaborate and perform while helping the community and its charitable service groups. Also contributing were Liz Robinson & Stephanie Baker (The Twisted Sisters) and the Sinners Choir.
Mary Riley, Caesars Windsor’s Vice President of Marketing, said, “For over 20 years, it has always been our company’s mandate to support the efforts of hundreds of tireless charities and organizations within our community. Providing our venue to showcase these local talents was our sincere pleasure especially because every dollar raised goes directly to charities in need of all of our help.” The increased capacity of the Colosseum, combined with the event’s growing reputation, allowed the S’Aints to nearly double the tickets sold compared to previous years.
Guests may have also noticed many Caesars Windsor employees donning ‘ugly’ holiday sweaters throughout the property that day. For a minimum $5 donation to Sleighing Hunger, employees stepped out of their uniform and put on their ‘holiday finest’ to show their community support. Additionally, Caesars Windsor’s employees have adopted 11 families this holiday season, through the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation.
CDs are available for sale on iTunes, online at www.sleighinghunger.com, St. Clair College campuses and throughout Windsor and Essex County locations for $10 each.
Photos by Rod Denis – Biz X magazine
