Taking over the island’s town hall, St. Ann’s Parish’s Catholic Women’s League (CWL) brought their Pre-St. Paddy’s Kitchen Party Live Fundraiser back after it proved incredibly popular last year.

“At our first annual, walking out, people asked if we’d do it again,” said Joan Derouin, CWL President.

When discussing and planning for 2019’s fundraisers, the group couldn’t deny the popularity of their first party and it became evident they had to bring it back.

What makes it so popular? There’s an Irish stew for supper plus homemade bread and poor man’s pudding to wash it all down, live music that had the crowd singing and dancing, plus tons of prizes to be won.

With all that going on, they saw another great turnout, with tables packed all party long – which in turn, means the group can be just as generous in their support of the community.

Derouin explained that money raised at this fundraiser helps support their ongoing initiatives for the youth and elderly.

For youth, this means donating to the local recreation association’s children’s Christmas party and to graduation trips for students in Fort Coulonge. Their senior projects include preparing Christmas packages for elders stuck at home during the holidays.

“The only way we can do this is through these fundraisers, for which our parish supports us,” she continued.

She also praised the support of their many volunteers, who range in age from elementary school and up.

These thanks were also extended to all of the performers that hit the stage at the party, as there was a rotating cast. Some, like George Lamothe and James Azola, had signed up beforehand, but anyone with an instrument and a lick of talent were welcome to hit the stage.

Derouin said they were proud to continue organizing an event that the community enjoys so much, especially when it gets everyone involved.

“For all our hard work, [the support] is nice,” she concluded.

From left: Some of the young volunteers included Antoine Lagarde, Pierre Jr. St-Amour, Lea Lasalle, Shelby Denis-Gauthier, Catherine Lasalle, and Sarah Berard.

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