The Princess Ball adds magic to fundraising

By Bobby-Jo Keats

Cystic Fibrosis Canada and other volunteers hosted a princess-themed event this weekend to increase awareness and raise funds toward finding a cure.      Children received the royal treatment at the Fogolar Furlan Club on Saturday during a fundraising event for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.  Little girls dressed like princesses as they walked the red carpet during the first annual princess ball held in Windsor.

Suzanne Grouette, President of Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s local chapter, says the ball took volunteers more than four months to plan.  She said there were 420 people in attendance including more than 75 volunteers.

“This was originally done in Red Deer, Alberta and it was such a great event that everybody loved it,” said Grouette.  “We haven’t had anything like this in the Windsor area, so it really clicked with our volunteers.  All the funds we raise will go towards research to find a cure for CF and also to support our local clinic.”

Senior Fundraising Co-ordinator, Chantelle Foreman, said the event will assist the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis clinic in providing care for those living with the disease. The clinic is located at Windsor Regional Hospital Metropolitan campus.

“It is the only clinic in North America that operates on weekends in order for children to not have to miss school and so parents don’t have to miss work,” said Foreman.  “The money raised will be used to help find a cure or effective treatment for the disease and will benefit the clinic.”

Activities at the event included games, dancing, making magic wands, face painting, arts and crafts as well as hair, make up and nail centres.  Sashes were given to the children before walking down the red carpet and the children were announced upon entering the hall.

Mandy Couture attended the event with and her children Mia, 5 and Macie, 4.  Her mother was a volunteer for the event and said the girls received their tickets to the ball for Christmas.

“I think it’s a very magical day for them.  They have been looking forward to this since Christmas and they are so happy to be here,” said Couture.

According to Foreman, there are about 55 people living with CF within Windsor-Essex and Chatham Kent. It is a genetic disorder that mainly affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines and sinuses.  Presently, there is no known cure for the disease.  However, Grouette remains hopeful that with the success of fundraisers like the princess ball, more research can be done in order to find a cure.

“The reason we exist is to make people aware of the cause and raise funds in order to research and find a cure for the disease,” said Grouette.  “This is an opportunity to put them both together, to help people become more aware and to raise funds for research.  It has been a success so far, the volunteers have done such a great job putting it on.  Now, hopefully people are more aware of the disease than they were before.”

The event raised over $12,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.