Help Raise the Bar $101,100 raised, our goal is $100,000!

Heather's Hootenanny For Hope

In 2006, Heather Snell of Ayr, Ontario was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). A disease with a life expectancy of 1 - 5 years from time of diagnosis, it initially robbed Heather, a singer and musician, of her voice. With no known cause or cure, Heather knew it would not be long before she would begin to lose use of her hands, arms and legs. With a "live life to the fullest attitude" and an incredible sense of humour, Heather rallied an army of family and friends to hold a fundraising called "Heather's Hootenanny for Hope" in August of 2007. Being a musical force in her community and beyond,  Heather wanted this to be a family musical event, and decided that the venue should be a barn in the country! But a simple goal of raising some research dollars and awareness of the disease turned into a community event which was like something no one had ever experienced.  We have affectionately called it a "lovefest" - but we also raised $40,000!!

2008 saw us move the event, courtesy of the Paris Agricultural Society, and huge support from CTV Southwestern Region, to the larger venue of the Paris Fairgrounds. With even more entertainers, despite the worst weather of the summer, the event raised another $60,000 dollars.  Heather knew she just had to keep raising funds and awareness of this debilitating disease.

And so we invite you to pull on your boots, bring your lawn chair and head on over to "The Hoot" 2009, on Saturday, August 8th at Fordleigh Farms on Greenfield Road near Cambridge, Ontario.  From 12 noon until 8:00 p.m. you will be treated to the musical talents of an eclectic group of entertainers, including Alison Lupton (celtic), Hot Ayr Band ( jazz), Mike Froome Trio (folk), Christina V (country), Zoe Janzen (ukulele & guitar), Shiyr (band), Kevin Ramesaar (classical guitar), 2 Hip 4 Kids (kids music),the HOOT (chamber choir) and many more!

The Country Store will have ALS t-shirts, bracelets, pashminas in shades of blue, hand painted "HOPE" ornaments and much more.  Our amazing Silent Auction will be offered again this year, a part of the event you won't want to miss! Activities for children will be available, as well as a mini-putt challenge. And we always feature a signature "" food item, as well as our regular menu items.

Zack Werner, Canadian Idol Judge and ?The Walk for ALS? Honourary Chair, will once again join in the festivities. We?re hoping for another entertaining challenge between him and Dr. Michael Strong, head of Research at the Robarts Research Institute in London, Ontario.

Tickets are $20 each for adults, $5 for children, and preschoolers are free.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HEATHER, THE HOOTENANNY AND HOW TO DONATE

PLEASE VISIT www.hh4h.ca AND CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES

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