June 28, 2009

Sen. Catherine Callbeck ducked the barbs, digs, mimicking and even personal “insults” of four roasters before a crowd of more than 180 friends of the Senator and Camp Abegweit at the Augustine Shore camp on July 26. The event was a lobster dinner and the roast while the camp launched its new Endowment Program.

The Senator took on the roasters and shot them down one by one  with her well calculated and pointed remarks obviously designed to entertain the audience and retain the good will of the roasters. Those trying their best to rattle her chain were Myrtle Jenkins-Smith, Alan Buchanan, Cynthia Dunsford and Sr. Teresa Currie with MC Vern Murphy getting in a few choice comments on the side.

Grace was offered by Rev. Gloria Churchill of Bedeque and Carolyn Francis, Chair of the camp Board, brought thanks and greetings from the Board

Rev. Bob Hutcheson introduced the Endowment Program, explaining the four goals of the program. The first and most important goal, he explained is to make it possible for every child on P.E.I. who wants to, to have the opportunity to participate in the “Camp Abby” summer program.  

To do that, he explained, the camp must have a solid financial foundation The Endowment Fund will provide that foundation and allow the camp to offer “camperships” to children whenever they are needed he said. He challenged the audience to consider prayerfully adding codicils to their wills. He said the goal is to expand the free “campership” program almost immediately and to have a fully operational fund by 2020.

There were three generous door prizes at the event. Louise Lowther of New London won an original painting donated by renowned Island artist Henry Purdy. The painting is titled “Chick out on a limb”. Eileen Drake of Charlottetown won 2 rounds of golf at Eagles Glen donated by Roger Birt and Harry Love of Charlottetown won tickets to Anne of Green Gables The Musical donated by the Confederation of the Arts.

Mr. Hutcheson also thanked Norton’s Jewelers, Murphy Restaurants and Indigo for donations for the program. He thanked the roasters and MC Vern Murphy, Smith Sound and the servers and cleanup crew from South Shore United Church. Spring Park , Trinity, Charlottetown and Winsloe United Churches for dishes table settings for the evening.