Sip a little tea and take in a fashion show while helping raise money for the library.
Sound like a lovely afternoon?
The Friends of the Innisfil Public Library, Lakeshore branch, hopes so as they hold their Fashion Show and Tea Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m.
A dedicated and enthusiastic group of volunteers, the Friends raise money for the library to support numerous activities at the branch.
Co-ordinator Phyllis McMillan-Totten says this is the sixth year for the event, one that she has truly enjoyed staging since moving to Innisfil.
“I didn’t know anyone when I moved here,” McMillan-Totten says. “I came to the Lakeshore library and met a woman who was selling books. She suggested joining the Friends group and I proposed doing a fashion show as a fundraiser. I’ve been in the fashion industry all my life.”
The rest, as they say, is history.
The fashion show has become a popular, and successful revenue generator for the Friends.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” McMillan-Totten says. “I try to involve all different ages, shapes and sizes. This year, we have 10 models, including my grandchildren Amber, 12, and Clayton, 14. It’s real family affair. We also do a ‘High Tea’. I also try to get the audience involved. Last year, we did the Can-Can.”
Marilyn Pillar, branch head of the Lakeshore library, says between 80 and 120 people attend the event.
“The fashion show gives another dimension to what our library offers,” Pillar says. “We do a little bit of culture with a jazz show and we do an art show. The library is a real community place.”
“The Friends want to bring the library in focus for the community,” McMillan-Totten adds. “It’s a real fun place to be. We’d like to get the attention of some of the stay-at-home moms who would enjoy joining our group. We’re very fortunate to have some younger women in our group.”
Library initiatives supported by the Friends include the Books for Babies program where parents of newborns receive information encouraging them to read to their children. The package contains a book suitable for babies, finger plays, book lists and more.
Bursaries are also awarded to high school students who live in Innisfil.
Several years ago, the Lakeshore Friends partnered with their counterparts at the Stroud and Cookstown branches to fund an Author-in-Residence program with the help of a Canada Council grant.
The group also assists with special projects initiated by Innisfil Public Library staff by providing manpower or additional funding.
The Lakeshore branch is located at 967 Innisfil Beach Rd. in Alcona. All are welcome.
Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the library or at the door. There will be many door prizes.
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Clear and 26°C
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