Cruise for a Cause: September 11, 2003

It was a perfect evening for a cruise on the lake. The sun was bright in a clear blue sky and the lake was calm.

As our guests arrived (many a little earlier than expected!) they were treated to oysters on the pier donated by Fish Bones Oyster Bar & Grill and shucked on the spot by the owner, Michael Jasnich.

On boarding they were able to sample hors d'oeuvres prepared by Julia's Ristorante and a selection of Henry of Pelham wines, tirelessly served throughout the evening by Ted McIntosh who seemed to have brought the entire vineyard with him from St. Catharines!

The rear part of the lower deck had been cleared to accommodate our friends in wheelchairs, and as one of them put it "Close to the grub". A unique feature of "cruising" is the way in which it encourages people to mingle. Our guests were rolling and strolling the decks, happily introducing themselves to perfect strangers and chatting with them long before we finally sailed off into the sunset (literally!) with Captain Eric Rogers at the helm and 251 guests on board.

During the evening, draws were made for many excellent deck prizes kindly donated by local businesses and friends of CharterAbility. The bartenders on all three decks were kept busy as were the chefs who served up an excellent Roast Beef au Jus, which they prepared on board, and the DJ who managed to find music to suit everyone. The entire crew who worked tirelessly throughout the evening definitely earned their vote of thanks, particularly Megan Ivens who managed to be everywhere at once attending to our needs and organizing everything.

After dinner, guests were treated to the sight of a full harvest moon as The Wayward Princess journeyed back to Oakville harbour. Before docking we had some more treats for our guests - pastries from the Black Forest Pastry Shop and coffee, courtesy of Tim Horton's.

Besides raising $10,000 in seed funding for the initiative, the cruise increased awareness in the community and attracted some of its potential municipal and corporate partners as well as organizations serving the needs of people with disabilities. We would like to thank all our guests who contributed so enthusiastically and generously to making the evening a success. We hope to see you all again on our dinner cruise on Thursday, May 27, 2004 out of Port Credit.

And a special thanks to our sponsors who made the evening possible through their generous donations:

Abilities Foundation Alibi Media Group Bertin Stables Betty Ann MacIntosh Black Forest Pastry Shop Bookers Book Store CHWO/AM740 City Core Golf Colborne Street Cafe Debra Cantrel Denningers Disabilities Plus Fish Bones Oyster Bar & Grill

Fred Astaire Dance Studios Halton Home Healthcare Hard Rock Contractors Heny of Pelham Irish Classics Julia Ristorante Lakeview Golf Course Mail Boxes Etc. McCutcheon's Camera Michael's Back Door Mini Chinese Molecular PR

Morrison House Nautical Adventures Oakville Fish N Chips Prime Time Sports Bar Queen's Head Rude Native Bistro Seasons Restaurant Sleeman Brewing & Malting Company Snug Harbour Restaurant TDL Group Trattoria Timone Walnut House