GRASSROOTS: Rowan House Raises the Roof

(Grassroots: Page 11)

By Todd Curran
Rowan House has been rockin' around the Christmas tree this month, raising money for their new High River shelter through a variety of events and supporters.
Sensei Tom Gillis of Foothills Training Services in Okotoks held a martial arts seminar and event over the December 10th weekend in honour of Rowan House and a charity helping kids who've been victims of violence. “It went really well!” Tom says. “We had around 40 people come out to the event and raised in the neighbourhood of $7,900 plus food, linens, clothing and furniture. We're pretty happy.”
Featuring a guest instructor from California, a western boxing class was held on the Friday, while Saturday and Sunday were both dedicated to learning traditional martial arts. “We've already heard that a woman leaving Rowan House to make a fresh start will be receiving much of the furniture and putting it to good use,” Tom says.
Marj Bird's old-time dance at East Longview Hall on December 11th was another successful fundraiser, putting a little country in the attendees' Christmas and some coin in the coffers for Rowan House.
“It was a good turnout and everybody had a great time,” says Marj. Although the final tally wasn't in, Marj estimates that around $1,500 was raised to split between Foothills Search and Rescue and Rowan House Emergency Shelter. “We got a lot of compliments on how good the music was and the silent auction was a hit.”
Rowan House aims to commence the construction of their new High River facility in 2011. For more information, visit www.rowanhouseonline.org