Do the mashed potato

Potato salad, potato martinis, baked, mashed and more … all this was part of the Windsor Potato Festival at St Clair College’s Centre for the Arts. 

In Honour of the Ones We Love, a non-profit organization supporting cancer patients, hosted the event on Thursday, Nov. 21. 

“The Potato Fest is a fundraiser that we put on for the [past] nine years to raise funds for our local children in our community for programs,” said Anita Imperoli, president of cancer patient care.

The fundraiser helps programs such as kids beating cancer, cooking, blanket program, various music programs and speech therapy.

Maryvale is a children’s mental health treatment centre where children and teens experiencing very serious emotional and psychological distress can get assistance from a team of experts.

According to Maryvale’s mission statement, they aim to improve the emotional, social, and spiritual development of children and teens and to enhance the functioning of their families.

“I have such respect for the In Honour of the Ones We Love because they go about it very quietly, and they don’t publicize much, but they have been incredibly supportive of children’s mental health,” said Connie Martin, director of Maryvale. 

More than 1,000 attendees supported the cause and enjoyed several different starches ranging from poutine to potato chips. 

Another sponsor at the event was the Motor City Community Credit Union, who have been partners with In Honour of the Ones We Love for the entire 23 years the organization has been around.

Becky Langlois is the marketing manager of the company and served with a couple dozen St Clair College culinary students that day. 

“Potato Fest is very unique. A lot of people love it, and money is raised and we’re happy to serve and have a few spuds,” said Langlois. “It’s carbs on steroids and it’s just wonderful.” 

The money raised went toward the mental health treatment centre.