What's New This Year

The Foundation's annual fundraiser this year features a dance with local Kingston band 80s Enuff as well as our gala dinner and auction. Because it's almost Halloween, you're also encouraged to dress up.

You can buy an all-inclusive ticket for the dinner, auction and dance or just buy a ticket for the dance.

Event Details

• Tickets for the gala dinner and auction are $125 per person. This also includes admission to the dance. A tax receipt is provided for a portion of the ticket price.
• Tickets for the Rockin' for Conservation dance only with 80s Enuff are just $35 per person.

The dinner and auction runs from 6 to 9 p.m. in Davies Hall at St. Lawrence College. Auctioneer is Tim Potter. A list of auction items is available below.

The dance begins at 9 p.m. in the cafeteria. Break out your Halloween costume or your 80s gear and big hair and join us for a fun evening.

Click here for a map and directions to St. Lawrence College in Kingston.

Event Proceeds

Buy Tickets

Live Auction Items

1. ENTERTAIN GRANDLY serving six fine bottles of red and white wine hand-picked by the Cataraqui Conservation Foundation board members.
2. CHEER ON THE SENATORS at Scotiabank Place by using these two tickets to the December 10, 2011 Ottawa Senator game against the Vancouver Canucks. Two tickets donated by AECOM.
3. PLAN THE “BONES” of your yard with a complete design for your outdoor landscaping. This service, donated by Scott Wentworth Landscaping, will get you started with a stunning home garden
4. GOLF AT CATARAQUI with your favourite foursome. 18 holes of your challenging sport courtesy of Cataraqui Golf and Country Club.
5. EXPLORE OUR LAKES AND RIVERS in this compact recreational kayak donated by Clearwater Designs, Picton ON. The Tofino model is a sit-on-top kayak that is easy to launch, provides secure storage, and is comfortable to paddle.
6. COMPLETE A COURSE IN POLITICS FOR FOUR, in comfort and style, donated by Ted Hsu, our local Member of Parliament. Enjoy lunch with our MP in the parliamentary dining room, take a tour of Parliament buildings, and have an opportunity to meet with Mr. Hsu and discuss federal politics. Travel by train between Kingston and Ottawa and catch up on your reading while you relax. Train tickets for four are donated by Via Rail.
7. COTTAGE GETAWAY: save travel expenses by enjoying a one-week stay on Lake Ontario at a gorgeous local cottage. This cottage sleeps four and looks toward Amherst Island and the beautiful sunsets over the Brothers Islands. It is located 12 minutes from downtown Kingston, and features warm-water swimming and pleasant woodland walks in the surrounding neighbourhood (reserve bid of $250). The cottage is available for booking between the May 24 holiday and Thanksgiving, except the month of July. Donated by John Morse.
8. GATHER YOUR FRIENDS TOGETHER FOR THE ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE featuring box seating for 12 at a Kingston Frontenac game together with refreshments, followed by use of six overnight guest rooms at the Four Points Sheraton, ending with breakfast for 12 at Sizzles restaurant. The date for this package to be determined together with the donor, the Four Points Sheraton.
9. PROMOTE THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF YOUR NATURAL SPACES by taking advantage of this $300 certificate. Weese Tree Preservation specializes in the preservation of trees and shrubs using science-based arboricultural techniques. Services include pruning, cabling and bracing, tree removal, and plant health care.

Silent Auction Items

1. ENJOY AN AUTUMN WALK wearing this hand knit hooded poncho with matching scarf courtesy of Doug and Christine Radford.
2. COMPLETE YOUR OUTFIT wearing a stylized sterling silver leaf necklace made by Talia Pennachetti. The leaf is placed on a 16 inch sterling silver snake chain, and its curve mimics the motion of a leaf falling through the air.
3. TRACK TIME IN STYLE wearing the Ladies’ Swiss Army watch in its own presentation box, together with a unisex organic cotton scarf. Watch and scarf are courtesy of Doug and Christine Radford.
4. ENSURE YOU ARE ON TIME with another Ladies’ Swiss Army watch and wrap up in a unisex organic cotton scarf. Both items donated by Doug and Christine Radford.
   
5. KEEP WARM ON THE OPEN OCEAN wearing this rugged outdoor cover up from Charleston Lake Provincial Park while searching for pelagic birds using the book Albatrosses, Petrels & Shearwaters of the World donated by John Allan.
6. GO OUTDOORS WITH THESE NATURE TOOLS: two books Cardinals, Tanagers and Finches of the United States and Canada the Photographic Guide and Hawks in Flight donated by John Allan, shading your eyes in an outdoor cap from Charleston Lake Provincial Park, and quenching your thirst with the contents of a blue metal water bottle from Doug and Christine Radford.
7. ENJOY WINTER FUN with a four month Provincial Park Winter Day Use Pass valid from December 1, 2011, courtesy of Frontenac Provincial Park.
8. RELAX OVER COFFEE AND SNACKS. Brew your coffee in a Toastmaster stainless steel thermal carafe coffeemaker with programmable timer donated by Doug and Christine Radford, and acquire some snacks using a $25 gift certificate from Bearance’s Grocery donated by Michael Greenwood.
9. SERVE THE PERFECT WINE by acquiring this six pack of fine wines personally selected by Cataraqui Conservation Foundation board members.
10. TREAT YOURSELF HEALTHILY using this Cuisinart Pure Indulgence frozen yoghurt, ice cream, and sorbet maker donated by Diane Fitsell.
11. BAKE WITH EASE with a Kitchen Aid 4.3 litre Ultra Power Plus mixer, complete with stand, courtesy of Leon’s Furniture of Kingston.
12. GRACE YOUR DINING TABLE with special treats from this sumptuous gift basket donated by Glenburnie Grocery as you discuss with your guests how to make good use of the $50 gift certificate toward purchases at SunHarvest Greenhouses.
13. ENJOY A SPECIAL DINNER for four at Pan Chancho (exclusive of alcohol) and replenish your wine cellar with a box set of three bottles courtesy of Thirty-Three Vines.
14. ARRANGE A GROUP WINE TASTING with a tour and wine tasting for up to ten people at Bergeron Estate Winery and accompany the wine you purchase with special gourmet food using a $50 certificate from The Breaking Bread establishment in Bath, courtesy of Sue and Greg Dodds.
15. SHOWER YOUR PET with an impressive package of pet goodies plus a gift certificate for use at Urban Paws.
16. LET THEM LEARN WHILE THEY PLAY with an Oriental tabletop block set that supports rebuilding great structures from ancient history, donated by Stewart Fyfe. Teach them how to tell time using a child’s Disney watch courtesy of Betty Boone.
17. GIVE THE BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY EVER by entertaining your young guests with one hour of clown services at your home provided by “Silly Sally,” donated by Janet Pentney. “Have your cake and eat it too”, with a $50 Gift Certificate from Cakes by Krista.
18. PLAY FOR HOURS with this Figure 8 Train Set of “Melissa and Doug” quality wooden components and beginner pattern block set plus two books Bear Noel and It’s Snowing all donated by Stewart Fyfe.
19. TAKE AN IMAGINARY RIDE on a delightful child’s rocking horse courtesy of Gary Osborne, CRCA board member and lose yourself in The Sea Serpent of Grenadier Pond and The Nightingale, books donated by Stewart Fyfe.
20. KEEP FIT FOR SPORTS with a 30 day flex pass for use of facilities at the Kingston Family YMCA and then snack on healthy foods purchased using a $25 gift certificate from Bearance’s Grocery courtesy of Michael Greenwood.
21. WATCH WILDLIFE through these Optisan 10x50 binoculars from Doug and Christine Radford. The binoculars may be stored when you return home in an elegant wooden storage case.
22. PRACTICE YOUR WATER SKILLS with a gift certificate for 2 people on a half day kayaking adventure provided by 1000 Islands Kayaking
23. STALK WILDLIFE in stormy conditions using these pocket-sized waterproof/fogproof 6x18 binoculars from Doug and Christine Radford. Stay warm wearing a rugged outdoor cover up from Charleston Lake Provincial Park.
24. ENJOY CONSERVATION AREAS with an annual pass to the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority conservation areas, and be protected from the elements with a unisex organic cotton scarf courtesy of Doug and Christine Radford. Keep hydrated with a large BPA-free water bottle with metal lid and carrying strap also from the Radfords.
    
25. FEATURE NATURE with this Mallard at Sunset print signed by the famed wildlife artist and naturalist Robert Bateman framed by Kingston Frameworks. This large print employs subtle ochre colours to gently highlight the pond and the mallard family.
26. PROVIDE A HOME DÉCOR FOCUS with this beautifully restored mahogany table whose top displays an annular pattern of hand carved figures. The table is 60 centimetres in width and was donated by Leon Doucet.
27. CELEBRATE AFRICAN WILDLIFE in your home by hanging this beautifully-framed original watercolour of a giraffe on your feature wall. The watercolour was painted by Dorothy Hector, CRCA board member and Kingston city councillor.
28. EXPAND YOUR ART GALLERY with Doug Snyder’s original ink drawing, beautifully framed, entitled Plaza Fernandez de Madrid, Cartagena, and Colombia.
29. HIGHLIGHT NATURE by adding to your home this professionally framed photo of an Acacia Tree on the Serengeti by Miranda Clark. The photo is 8 inches by 12 inches, and fully framed the overall size is 14 inches by 18 inches.
30. BEAUTIFY AN EMPTY WALL with this large framed still life print of a duck decoy and a shorebird decoy, with a quilt in the background. This lovely print was donated by James Reid Furniture.
31. PROVIDE INTEREST in your home décor with this framed stained glass window displaying a tulip cluster on a field of grass. The lovely stained glass window is courtesy of Betty Boone.
32. ACQUIRE ORIGINAL ART with this untitled monoprint in the “Vase Series” of Wendy Cain’s original prints.
33. DISPLAY YOUR COLLECTIBLES on this handmade turned wooden wall shelf in maple and cherry, crafted by Dave Sexsmith.
34. SHOW YOUR COLLECTION OF “SMALLS” on this lovely handmade wooden wall aggregation of individual small wooden shelves separated by turned spindles, donated by Angela and Tom McAneney.
35. COMBINE BEAUTY WITH FUNCTIONALITY by using this lovely handmade pottery bowl from South Shore Pottery on Amherst Island. This bowl, donated by the potter Patricia Frontini, may be used in the both oven and microwave, is dishwasher safe, and is lead free.
36. CAPTURE AN EARLIER TIME through this vintage quilt made by hand by the women of St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Cornwall ON. This quilt is nearly 50 years old and has never been used. The quilt is approximately 90 inches by 76 inches, and was donated by Betty and Miranda Clark.
37. BRING LIGHT TO YOUR HOME with this custom made iron and glass wall sconce. This limited edition sconce, made by local artist John MacDonald, is entitled Ice Blossoms, and was donated by For Every Season.
38. PLAN THE PERFECT HOME by undertaking a two hour architectural consultation with prominent Kingston architect Mikaela Hughes.
39. HIGHLIGHT A CORNER with this decorative art piece featuring contoured metal work, provided by Creative Gifts and Baskets.
    
40. BECOME AN EXPERT IN PAPERMAKING by joining a one day artists’ workshop in papermaking conducted by a recognized artist and papermaking expert, Wendy Cain.
41. PRINT DOCUMENTS AND PICTURES with this Canon Pixma MP250 all-in-one colour printer donated by Camera Kingston.
42. ENTERTAIN YOUR GUESTS in your home with a 45 minute vocal and keyboard jazz concert donated by Ryder-Burbidge Hurley Fasano. The performer is Kingston’s own theatre star David Hurley.
43. ENJOY THEATRE AT HOME by hosting a truly memorable in-home reading of A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters by two distinguished local actors, Carolyn Hetherington and Fred Euringer. Time and date for the performance to be arranged by mutual agreement between Ms Hetherington and the purchaser.
44. ABSORB COUNTY THEATRE using two flex passes for the 2012 season of the Festival Players of Prince Edward County. Then talk about the plays over a $50 dinner at Olivea in downtown Kingston. Each of the TWO flex passes entitles the holder to ANY three regular-price tickets at the Festival Players theatrical presentations.
45. ENTERTAIN YOUR FAMILY using five general entry passes for the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
46. EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY by taking advantage of five general entry passes to the Canadian War Museum.
47. ENJOY THE UNIQUE THEATRE SETTING at the Thousand Islands Playhouse with two tickets to their professional theatre, then take advantage of dinner for two at Curry Original in downtown Kingston.
48. VISIT ANOTHER OTTAWA MUSEUM with two family passes to the Canadian Museum of Nature and carry your treasures in two museum enviro bags.
49. ENJOY SIT BACK AND ENJOY FINE MUSIC with two tickets to the Queen’s Performing Arts concert featuring David Eggert, cellist. Before this Friday, November 25, 2011 concert, consider using a $20 gift certificate towards your dinner at Ramekins Casual Fine Dining.
50. LISTEN TO THE FAMOUS PIANIST Menahem Pressler at this Queen’s Performing Arts concert. Before this Sunday, April 15, 2012 concert, consider using a $25 gift certificate towards your dinner at Minos Village Restaurant.
51. DIVE INTO THE PAST with a history lover’s book stash courtesy of Michael Bell. Books include Ronald Florence, Lawrence and Aaronshohn:  T. E. Lawrence and Aaron Aaronsohn and the Seeds of the Arab-Israeli Conflict; Norman Davies, Europe: East and West; Annabel Lyon, The  Golden Mean (A novel about Alexander the Great); Anthony Flint, Wrestling with Moses: How Jane Jacobs Took on New York’s Master Builder and Transformed the American City; Ronald Wright,  What is America? A Short History of the New World Order; Fernand Braudel, Memory and the Mediterranean; Peter Marshall, The Theatre of the World: Alchemy, Astrology and Magic in Renaissance Prague.
52. SHARE A LOVE OF ART with a treasure of books donated by Michael Bell. This focused collection consists of Folio Society 2004,The Age of Illumination (three volumes in a slip case); George Henderson, Early Medieval Art and Civilization; George Henderson, Gothic Art and Civilization; Steven Runciman, Byzantine Art and Civilization.
53. EXAMINE OUR PLACE ON THE PLANET with authors that include Hannah Holmes, The Well-Dressed Ape: A Natural History of Myself; Michael Pollan, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto; George Monbiot, HEAT: How to Stop the Planet from Burning; Thomas Homer Dixon, editor, Carbon Shift: How the Twin Crises of Oil Depletion and Climate Change will Define the Future; John Valliant, The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival. This splendid collection of topical books was donated by Michael Bell.
54. GET PACKING with a wheeled travel backpack from Doug and Christine Radford and feel free to head south with a fresh crisp $100 in US currency courtesy of Wellington Foreign Exchange.
55. GET WHERE YOU’RE GOING with a Magellan GPS 1340 system for your automobile donated by Canadian Tire Kingston Centre.
56. HAVE A SPECIAL WESTPORT OUTING including golfing for two with golf cart at Rideau Lakes Golf and Country Club, then relaxing with a dinner for two and overnight stay at Westport’s Cove Inn.
57. PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE KINGSTON STAY for two people at the Hotel Belvedere. The stay includes breakfast for two.
    
58. EXPAND YOUR LANDSCAPING by planting either ten potted trees (five coniferous and five deciduous) or five trees and five bushes from the Lemoine Point Nursery. Wear a purple winter hat donated by Doug and Christine Radford as you labour. The trees and shrubs are all suitable for spring planting and may be picked up at the Lemoine Point Conservation Area nursery.
59. ENSURE THE HEALTH OF YOUR LANDSCAPING through this $250 certificate toward a wide range of tree services from Arbre Care Tree Services.
60. UNDERTAKE MOSQUITO CONTROL by erecting this handmade and hand painted purple martin house created by artist Diane Fitsell and read all about how many mosquitoes each purple martin eats by perusing the book National Geographic Birds of North America contributed by Stewart Fyfe.
61. KEEP WORK AND LEISURE IN BALANCE by expanding your garden using a $75 gift certificate from Riley’s Garden Centre and then kicking back in a large two-person mesh hammock courtesy of Doug and Christine Radford wearing “Hello Kitty” beach/shower sandals, also from the Radfords.
62. SURVEY YOUR GARDEN from a zero-gravity outdoor chaise longue with canopy in neutral colour courtesy of Canadian Tire Cataraqui, then take a special someone out using a $30 gift certificate from Aroma Restro-Winebar.
63. RESERVE A QUIET SPOT IN YOUR GARDEN by placing this custom-crafted wooden garden bench in a private outdoor spot. Jeff Scott, CRCA board member and Kingston city councillor, made and donated this bench.
    
64. HEIGHTEN YOUR FITNESS by joining the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre at no charge for a full year, membership courtesy of Loyalist Township.
65. ENSURE STURDY FOOTING by purchasing hiking boots perfect for your feet using this $170 Trailhead gift certificate toward purchase of hiking boots.
66. EXERCISE YOUR BODY through a three month membership at the GoodLife Fitness studio, and pack your workout clothes in a GoodLife Fitness duffel bag.
67. SWIM OR SKATE AND STAY FIT with a W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre package from Loyalist Township including 12 senior swim/skate tickets plus 10 aquafit tickets.

Sponsors, Advertisers and Other Supporters

We would also like to thank:

Jeff Banks - Barbara Bradfield - Buffet Taylor & Associates - Collins Bay Marina - Cruickshank Construction - Glen Supply - Jani-King - Janet Scott - Kimberley Jewellery Appraisal - Kingston Frameworks - R.B. Van Winkle - Renewable Energy of Plum Hollow - Ron Vandewal - Secker, Ross & Perry - Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd - Smokey Joe’s Deli - Thirty-Three Vines.