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Croquet for YANA a multi-tasking fundraiser
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Looking for a fun family event while supporting local non-profit YANA (You Are Not Alone), and the Mark Isfeld and Highland grads? Then the fourth annual Croquet for YANA event at Isfeld Secondary School in Courtenay on Sunday, May 1 and at Highland Secondary May 8 is the perfect fit.
The event will include the popular annual Croquet for YANA, the opportunity to test drive a new Ford vehicle, and grad car washes and barbecues.
Christopher and Wendy Smith initiated Croquet for YANA, in support of the local non-profit group that helps families cover the cost of out-of-town accommodation and expenses while a child is receiving medical treatment outside of the Comox Valley.
The Smiths started hosting the event three years ago, the day after their wedding. Chris lost his wedding ring somewhere on the croquet pitch and still has not found it saying “… it must still be honeymooning.”
Although the Croquet for YANA event has been successful, the Smiths understand that business owners can be overwhelmed by requests to support charities. So they began to explore ways to add to the charity event but lessen the blow to the business community by combining a number of charities under one tent. This year the Smiths are partnering with the Mark Isfeld and Highland Secondary grad executives to help with their grad fundraising.
The Smiths believe the concept of Croquet for YANA/Drive One for the Community is all about giving local business exposure for their charity efforts. Each supporting business is given a plot of land on the croquet field to advertise themselves anyway they want, but they must also add a croquet ‘hole’ with a start and end, and at least five wickets. It is just like mini golf.
Tickets are sold, by donation, to players wanting to play the various creative holes. Players are encouraged to wear colourful costumes and decorate or dress their mallets. Croquet equipment is all provided by the Smiths and no experience is necessary.
The activity is suitable for all ages. Last year, croquet players ranged in age from five to 90 years.
“It is a win/win,” said Smith. “Local businesses get to interact with the community, and the community gets a fun event to enjoy, and most important YANA gets much-needed support.”
Apparently a number of businesses are going the extra mile this year staffing their creative croquet holes with greeters to add instruction and encouragement to players.
Both school principals, Mark Isfeld’s Jeff Taylor and Highland’s Dean Patterson, support the events as part of YANA week in the schools.
YANA spokesperson Hugh MacKinnon gave accolades to the Smiths for their community leadership and sponsorship of this event. He also encouraged participation and thanked in advance support for YANA.
“A small community working together can accomplish amazing things,” Chris Smith said.
“Let’s come together on consecutive Sundays at 11:30 a.m. — 3 p.m. and support YANA, recognize the businesses that support our community and make some memories.”
Tickets, by donation, will be available at 11 a.m. at the pre-registration table in the parking lots at both schools prior to the event.
For more information, contact Chris Smith at 250-339-1860, Isfeld Secondary at 334-2428, Highland Secondary at 250-339-5525 or the YANA office at 250-871-0343.
And, remember, in the Comox Valley, You Are Not Alone.
Thank you to Robbie and Kelly Rusk for painting our new office. We have serious love for these two volunteers!
Thank you to Comox Moving & Storage for helping us move free of charge. You make a stressful time so much easier!
Thank you to Grant Construction for the care and time they are putting in to make our new office space fantastic. We are very grateful.
Thank you to all donors, sellers and volunteers who participated in the Spring Kids’ Clutter Sale. A big shout out to Tanya Del Bianco and Meghan Hunt for coordinating the sale, Courtenay Elementary School for hosting, Coastal Transportation and Storage for storing and delivering our racking system and to Brenda Hunt for coordinating the concession. What a great event!
Games and Grounds did some fundraising for YANA late in 2015 and we had the pleasure of visiting them recently. Thank you for keeping local children and families in your hearts!
Jack you amaze us! Your memory for reciting the digits of pi is remarkable as is your community spirit. Thank you for showing you care about YANA kids in your own unique way!
We are very grateful for the special Kyte Delivery Service driver who had a fundraising campaign for YANA in honour of his granddaugher,Talia, and in loving memory of Harold Flint. Thank you to Reg, also known as K-32, who drove for 90 hours and covered 3,100 km. And thanks to his colleagues who helped him reach his goal (K-39, K-28, K-7, K-33, K-35, K-15, K-19, K-16).
The Hillbilly Masters Golf Tournament at Crown Isle added YANA to their fun and we are grateful. Thank you!
Happy belated birthday, Hazel! Thank you for fundraising for YANA!
