2024 Snow Angel Gala
At long last we were able to bring back our Snow Angel Gala, an event that honours the founder of We Are The Villagers, Julianna Matyas, and brings together Villagers’ families, volunteers, community business leaders, sponsors and community organizations. In the spotlight this year, Villagers helped us to recognize the Rafe O’Connor Endowment Fund while we enjoyed talented performances by Thomas Hirtzbruch, Schomberg Academy of Music and the Dancers Studio. We truly appreciate everyone who came out to enjoy an evening of good food, excellent entertainment, fun and celebration. A great night for the Village! Thank you to all!
THANK YOU TO OUR SNOW ANGEL GALA SPONSORS
Our presenting sponsor
A big shout out to all who supported our silent auction table: Splash Floral & Event, Kelseys Original, Roadhouse, Marcus Hervieux, Matyas Hervieux Medical Professional Corporation, Mills Builder, Emma & Aric Clench, Lafontaine Iron Werks, Maple Canadian Pub, Cathy Mills, Royal Tea on King, Jean Chapman, Boston Pizza, Aparna Swaminathan
Our pillar sponsors: Midland Home Hardware & Design Centre, Sunday Restoration, Library Restaurant & Midland Printers
2024 Valentines Day Truffle Box Draw
Congratulations to our 2024 Valentine Raffle Winner. Betty, Top Drawer volunteer with
WATV, presents a hand-crafted truffle box to Shirley Vassair. Thank you to all
who supported the raffle and to Food Basics in Midland for their ongoing support
2023 Holiday Truffle Tree Draw
Congratulations to Jaimie Dwinell, the winner of our 2023 Holiday Truffle Tree Draw. This is an important fundraiser for We Are The Villagers and part of our year-end For the Kids Fundraising Campaign. Many thanks to everyone who participated, and a big Thank You to Food Basics Midland and Foodland Penetanguishene for allowing us space to sell the raffle tickets.
WATV Holiday Tea Fundraiser 2023
Royal Tea on King in Midland hosted a series of four festive holiday tea fundraisers for We Are The Villagers in November and December. Everyone attending enjoyed the celebration with food, drinks, a silent auction table, and pleasant conversation.
Juliana Matyas Memorial Golf Tournament, September 10th, 2023
Our annual golf tournament was another success! Thank you to Team Hawke Realty for once again being the host sponsor of the tournament held at the Brooklea Golf & Country Club.
“Juliana” Dahlia Spring Flower Sale, May 13th 2023
Our annual Mother’s Day spring sale of potted “Juliana” Dahlias is an anticipated event in our fundraising calendar by gardeners across Simcoe County. We sold over 200 pots of beautiful Dahlias. Thank you to everyone who supported this important fundraiser for our children’s programs!
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, April 23rd, 2023
Our supporters came out in droves for our annual Spring All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast at Phil’s Pub and Diner in Midland, Ontario. Thank you to everyone who attended, and a special thank you to Phil and his staff!
Julianna Matyas Memorial Golf Tournament 2022
Once again our local supporters enjoyed a beautiful sunny day of golf in support of We Are The Villagers. Congratulations to all of the winners of awards! Participants enjoyed a breakfast, nine holes of shotgun golf, an awards lunch, and a silent auction. In the process, a total of $12,000 for the kids programs.
Thank you to Team Hawke Realty as our title sponsor, and all of our other sponsors for the day: Dr. Martin McNamara, Prost Lediard Devry Smith Frank LLP, Meridian Credit Union, BMO Bank, The Dancers Studio, Canadian Tire Midland, Shoes to Boot, Phoenix Jewellers, Cashmere Blue, Right At Home Realty, Pros Marketing, Bells Falls Family Campground, LabX Media Group, Royal Tea On King, Food Basics, Oaklane Orchards, Tim Hortons Hwy 12, MacDonalds Hwy 93, Dr. Steven Frey & Associates, Foodland Penetang, Boathouse Eatery, The Library Restaurant, Nicholyn Farms, MegaMindful Living, Vetta Nordic Spa, Take 5 Oil, and The Veritas Foundation.
Spring Flower Sale 2022
Our annual spring flower sale was a huge success this year with over 170 pots of flowers sold on Mother’s Day 2022. This year our supporters welcomed spring and stocked up on flowers and gardening equipment while supporting We Are The Villagers. This year we assembled extra-special, unique 10″ pots of mixed 5-colour ‘Julianna’ dahlias to celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of WATV. Thank you to everyone who helped out, and especially our team of volunteers!
WATV Move-a-Thon, April 14-19, 2022
We held our second fundraising Move-a-Thon from April 14th-19th, 2022. Movers and shakers supported the charity and its kids at their own pace and place. Recent findings show that health and happiness is directly corelated to physical activity. Kool Kats and dog walkers joined in to help out!
WATV Holiday Vaudeville Night 2021
We held our second annual WATV Holiday Vaudeville Night fundraiser on December 30th, 2021. This online presentation included a lineup of musicians, comedians, testimonials, acrobats, and more. All funds raised was for WATV programing.
You can view the entertainment on the WATV YouTube channel HERE.
Holiday Dinner 2021
After a year’s absence due to the global COVID health pandemic, WATV was thrilled to once again be able to host a holiday dinner on December 12th, 2021. This year we had dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. Many thanks to Phil and his staff at Phil’s Pub & Eatery in Midland for preparing a traditional holiday turkey meal with all the fixings! A special thanks also to all the volunteers, including our delivery drivers dressed up for the season.
Julianna Matyas Memorial Golf Tournament 2021
We had another successful annual golf tournament and raised a record amount for the charity. The weather held up, and the event was SOLD OUT. An awards lunch, live auction, and silent auction followed the tournament. Many thanks to our Title Sponsor, Team Hawke Realty, our hole sponsor, beverage cart sponsor, print sponsor, putting contest sponsor, hole-in-one sponsor, and all others!
Spring Flower Sale 2021
Once again the community came out to support We Are The Villagers by purchasing pots of ‘Julianna Gold’ Daisies. The staff at Native Woods Nursery grew the plants from seed. Volunteers were out to in force to deliver plants and attend to pickup. Thanks to everyone!
First Annual Holiday Vaudeville Night 2020
It was a great night of entertainment in the community last night with the first WATV Virtual Holiday Vaudeville Night. A huge thank you to all of the performers, the MCs Rob Cooper and Dr. Matyas Hervieux, all of the volunteers (Betty Laurin, Heather Maceneny and nephew Jesse, Emma Clench and baby Walter), all of the Corporate donors to the WATV For The Kids Annual Campaign, and Executive Director Cathy Mills. We raised over $3,000 for our kids’ 2021 programming! A video of the evening will soon be available on our YouTube Channel – stay tuned.
All of the entertainment and fun can be viewed on the WATV YouTube Channel HERE
Spring Flower Sale 2020
Our spring flower sale was a huge success! Although this year’s event was different, we sold out of our pots of Julianna Burgundy Daisies. These specially produced daisies were created in honour of our late founder, Julianna Matyas. A special thank you to Native Woods Nursery, who grew the special once-in-a-lifetime plants for us in their greenhouses. As well, Mink Insurance of Midland was very kind to let us use their parking lot for Saturday pickup. Our volunteers were out in force to check people in, hand out the pots, and make home deliveries – thank you volunteers!
For those who bought plants, feel free to send us pictures of them throughout the summer – we will post those pictures to our Facebook page and in our upcoming newsletters.
Snow Angel Gala 2020
Thank you to everyone who attended our Snow Angel Gala 2020 – with over 100 people attending, this was a sold-out event! The audience enjoyed presentations from the WATV kids, a great meal from Nick and the team at Restaurant Sainte Marie, live music from Gibbons and Figgs, wine and whisky tasting tables, and more. The event was a fitting memorial tribute to our co-founder Julianna Matyas who passed away and is dearly missed.
Holiday Dinner 2019
Everyone had a great time at the WATV Holiday Dinner last night. A big THANK YOU to Phil and the team at Phil’s Pub & Eatery for preparing the meal and hosting us. The kids from the Village had a great time entertaining the crowd. Volunteers of WATV enjoyed meeting and serving all of our guests.
Fourth Annual Julianna Matyas Memorial Golf Tournament
September 2019
Over 50 golfers enjoyed a beautiful sunny day to golf nine holes at the Brooklea Golf & Country Club in Midland, Ontario. Thank you to everyone who participated, and our sponsors who made it all possible!
Fall 2019 Pancake Breakfast
August 2019
Thank you to everyone who came out for our fall Pancake Breakfast. It was a record-setting day. A particular thank you to Phil and the staff of Phil’s Pub & Eatery who graciously provided the breakfast of pancakes, sausages, bacon, coffee, juices, and more.
Tall Ships Festival
August 2019
The TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL in Midland was a huge success. Highlights included the re-enactment of ship battles, the soldier’s parade, and the ship tours. WATV was there giving out free tattoos to visitors and selling our 50/50 Raffle tickets. Thank you to all of our volunteers and everyone who bought tickets to support our kids’ programs. We had a record-setting weekend. Congratulations to the town of Midland.
Penetanguishene All Canadian Festival
July 2019
WATV had a booth at the Penetanguishene All Canadian Festival with free tatoos for the kids attending. The booth was very popular, with both kids and parents lined up to get their colorful tattoos. Popular among these were the dragons, mermaids, and spiders! We also sold our 50/50 Draw Tickets as a fundraiser. Thank you to the many volunteers who showed up throughout the weekend!
Murder Mystery Dinner – It Came from Little Lake
May 2019
A sell-out crowd of supporters enjoyed a seven course meal at The Library Restaurant in Midland while viewing a live-action murder-mystery play and trying to figure out who the killer was. Local renowned playwright Brendan Maine presented a taut thriller for the crowd with a local cast of characters from Huronia Players. A silent auction and 50/50 draw completed the evening. Many thanks to our Presenting Sponsor Enbridge!
Garden Fair and Spring BBQ
May 2019
Our second annual Garden Fair and Spring BBQ was a huge success. This year, WATV sold 150 pots of ‘Julianna’ Pink Dahlias as a fundraiser in memory of the co-founder of the charity, Julianna Matyas, who passed away from cancer. Over fifteen downtown businesses in Midland and Penetanguishene participated by buying pots of flowers that were planted by our volunteers outside of their stores for the coming summer. Supporters enjoyed a hearty BBQ thanks to Restaurant Ste. Marie and Food Basics Midland. Many thanks to Native Woods Nursery in Midland for hosting us!
Vaudeville Night at Olde Town Library
April 2019
It was a night of music, singing, comedy, magic, and more as local entertainers presented their talents to supporters of We Are The Villagers at a sold-out dinner and show. Thank you to Midland’s finest antique store, Olde Town Library, for their support and enthusiasm in putting on this unique fundraising event.
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
April 2019
We had a record turnout for our semi-annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser, held at Phil’s Pub & Eatery in Midland, Ontario. Many thanks to everyone who participated. Congratulations to our gift basket winner, Colin Whiteside!
Christmas Dinner Fundraiser
December 2018
Everyone enjoyed the food and festivities of the season as they helped to raise money for the programs at We Are The Villagers. A very special thank you to Phil and his team at Phil’s Pub & Eatery who provided the meal.
Third Annual Golf Tournament
September 2018
Thank you to everyone who braved the cool weather and participated in our third annual Golf Tournament in support of We Are The Villagers. It was a great success!
Winners included:
Closest to the ‘Steaks’: Dave Hobson
Men’s Closest to the pin: Matt Proulx (pictured)
Men’s longest drive: Jeff Dykstra
Ladies closest to the pin: Carmen L.
Ladies longest drive: Connie Weatherall
Most honest team: Bev, Pat, Judy and Ruth (pictured)
Overall winning team: Matt Proulx, Tara Crompton, David Good, Jordan Crompton (pictured)
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
August 2018
Our semi-annual all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast was once again a fantastic success. Thank you to Phil and his staff at Phil’s Pub & Eatery in Midland, Ontario for preparing and donating the breakfast for the 75 guests who attended. A great time was had by all!
Mayor’s Mac & Cheese Fundraising Dinner
May 2018
Another fantastic Mayor’s Mac&Cheese fundraising dinner last night! Thank you to Mayors Gord Mackay of Midland, Scotty Warnock of Tay, George Cornell of Tiny, and Gerry Marshall of Penetanguishene for hosting! Special thanks to Phil and the staff of Phil’s Pub & Eatery for the wonderful food and service, and to everyone who came out.
Congratulations to Ninette Moran, winner of the draw for two pots of Julianna purple daisies for her garden.
‘Bloody Tuesday’ Murder Mystery Dinner, Barrie, Ontario
May 2018
Our first fundraising event in the city of Barrie was a Murder Mystery Dinner. ‘Bloody Tuesday’ presented a challenging who-dunnit play performed during a sumptuous dinner. Congratulations to those who figured out the mystery murderer.
Spring Garden Fair and Barbeque
May 2018
We were thrilled to partner with Native Woods Nursery outside of Midland to offer pots of ‘Julianna’ purple daisies as a fundraiser for We Are The Villagers. We also hosted a $2 bbq fundraiser on the weekend, and many supporters came by to enjoy one of the first warm and sunny days of spring in 2018. Thank you to everyone who came by to participate!
Semi-Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
March 2018
A record 145 people turned out for our first Pancake Breakfast fundraiser of 2018 and enjoyed a delicious all-you-can eat meal! Thank you to everyone who attended. A very special THANK YOU to Phil’s Pub & Eatery and the staff who made it all happen.
‘A Parting Shot’ Murder Mystery Dinner
March 2018
A classic ‘who dunnit’ play and gourmet Mardi Gras-themed dinner held at Le Maitre D’ restaurant in Penetang. This sold out event raised funds for the kids programs at We Are The Villagers.
Snow Angel Gala
February 2018
A fundraising gala in support of We Are The Villagers and to honour the late founder of We Are The Villagers, Julianna Matyas. Featured Cocktails, hors d’Oeuvres, dinner, whisky and wine tastings, entertainment from the kids of WATV, silent auction and more.
A Village Night in Portugal Fundraising Dinner
January 2018
We Are The Villagers hosted its first Toronto and GTA fundraiser, A Village Night in Portugal, at Via Norte Restaurant. This sold-out event saw 110 supporters of WATV enjoy an elegant Portuguese dinner and listen to Portuguese and Spanish musicians and singers throughout the evening. Over $6,000 was raised for the charity.
Annual Christmas Dinner
December 10, 2017
We Are The Villagers hosted their annual Christmas Dinner held at Phil’s Casual Dining. Everyone was invited to come out and enjoy a Turkey holiday meal with all of the fixings, meet the kids in the Village, and were entertained by musicians, dancers, and more all in support of We Are The Villagers. Special treats for the kids were provided and an opportunity to enter the draw to win a Giant Chocolate Santa Claus! Thank you to everyone who came out to support this charity for children in our community.
See the complete pictures of the event HERE.
Pancake Breakfast
August 27, 2017
Once again, Phil’s Casual Dining in Midland, Ontario hosted a Pancake Breakfast to raise funds for We Are The Villagers. A total of $1,285.00 was raised for the children in the village. THANK YOU PHIL!.
Pancake Breakfast
April 23rd, 2017
A huge THANK YOU to Phil’s Casual Dining who generously made our Pancake Event happen. Thanks to everyone who came out in support of We Are The Villagers kids programs yesterday to enjoy the pancake breakfast event. Special thanks to all the volunteers who came from Toronto, Collingwood and our local area to be part of it all. Special thank you to Brenton Trucking for their on going financial support in covering the cost of the village kids meals. The event raised $1,690.00. Many smiley faces about to enter programs very soon. Our waiting list is shrinking. THANK YOU EVERYONE. Julianna, Geoff, Kids.
Mayor’s Mac & Cheese
April 3rd, 2017
A huge THANK YOU to the committee that planned and put together the Villagers Mayor’s Event – Mayor McKay, Liesje, Ross and Cody and a very special thank you to the Mayors of the Heart of Georgian Bay, Mayor’s McKay; Marshall, Cornell and Warnock and guest helper, Garfield Dunlop. A huge thank you to the Ty Tay Shore Rockers for entertaining along with The Dancers Studio. To all the Mayor’s villagers helpers; to the staff at Lot 102 and to it’s owner, and a thank you to Ty, Rob and all the children that participated in so many ways. Great job everyone. We will have more smiley children in programs in no time. YOU ALL ROCK Julianna & Geoff, Founders.
Mardi Gras Murder Mystery Dinner
March 3rd, 2017
Thank you to everyone who came out to the Mardi Gras Murder Mystery Dinner. The evening was SOLD OUT!
A special thank you to:
Playwright – Brendan Main
Director – Christine Killing
Emily Hart – The Grim Reaper
Stephen Hartnell – The Mayor
Kristine Mannion – The Actress Eli Lamoureux – The Chef
Lori Petroff – The Bayou Witch
Ross Skoggard – The Funeral Director and
Rebecca Weissflog – The Plastic Surgeon
A great time was had by all!
Holiday Dinner and Fundraiser
December 11th, 2017
The words Thank you does not seem to be enough when it comes to Phil. Last night at Phil’s Pub and Eatery in Midland he put on an amazing holiday meal for patrons of the village and village families alike. His staff made everything seem so simple and we really appreciate each and everyone of them and the effort that they did last evening on behalf of our children’s charity. Phil’s generosity allows as to use every penny that we make to bring more children off our waiting list at Christmas. More smiley faces once again thanks to you. We also thank Spider-Man for popping in last night and entertaining the kids at the Christmas party.
