32 FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2017 SCUGOG chartered professional accountants accounting professional corporation , 250 Queen Street Port Perry mkonopaski@ scugogaccounting.ca 905.985.9791 905.985.8893 Michael Konopaski PhD, CPA, CMA, CFP Mark Saturday September 23 on your calendar! This is the date of the 2nd Annual Country Festival hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters North Durham (BBBSND.) Enjoy the toe tapping country music of the headline band The Road Hammers. Kris Barclay will warm up the crowd with an entertaining opening act. “It will be a great community event with great entertain- ment,” described MargaretAyres, the Executive Director of BBBSND. “Everyone is welcome. The more the merrier!” The Country Festival is a major fundraiser, supporting both the traditional big and little matching program, and the group program based in local schools. Margaret recalled that in 2009, BBBSND helped 59 children in North Durham. In 2016, 299 youth in Scugog, UxbridgeandBrocktownships,benefitedfromtheprogram. “BBBSND does not receive any core government fund- ing,” Margaret explained. Annual events like the Country Festival, and the Wing and Pizza Night held in February, are vitally important. “These are huge fundraisers for us,” she commented, adding her appreciation to the many sponsors, volunteers and attendees. The community is rallying to support the 2nd Annual Country Festival. The title sponsor is WISP Internet Services Inc. Adamson Systems Engineering also plays a key role, by supplying the sound system and welcoming the public to their property for the event at 1401 Scugog Line 6. “We wanted room to grow the event,” said Margaret. A whopping 450 people showed up last year for the first Country Festival, which was held at Sunnybrae Golf Club. Over $20,000 was raised. The 2017 Country Festival gets underway at 6 p.m. and runs until 1 a.m. Bring your appetite! Horn Dawgs BBQ is bringing their mobile kitchen, and teaming up with Marwan’s Global Bistro to cook up some great food. Old Flame Brewery will be on hand to provide refreshments. The festivities will also include a silent auction, dancing, raffles and a cash bar. “It’s a casual night,” Margaret enthused. “It’s going to be fun!” Thisageofmajority,19+eventtakesplaceat1401Scugog Line 6. Tickets, priced at $60 per person, are available at Vos’ Independent Grocer, Sunnybrae, PPPRINT, and the BBBSND (Scout Hall) office and through Eventbrite. Volunteers, including high school students who re- quire volunteer hours, are welcome to contact Margaret at 905-985-3733. By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog For more information on BBBSND events and all of the good work they do, check out their Facebook page, Twitter, blog or website: bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/northdurham. DUST OFF YOUR COWBOY HAT AND SHINE UP YOUR BOOTS! GET READY TO PARTY AT THE BBBSND COUNTRY FESTIVAL’S NEW VENUE