Stay tuned!

Stay tuned for an announcement regarding Zeal for Teal! Thanks for your support!

LOOKING FORWARD TO APRIL 25TH! A few reminders!

Who is excited? Zeal for Teal 2015 DOWN ON THE FARM is coming soon! Make sure you get your supplies packed and your day planned. But then again, don't worry if you haven't got enough to do. We have plenty to keep you busy! Remember we are going to have our sweet Stampin' Up Rep - Margaret Johnson (DeWitt) with us as always and then we have a new store this year - Scrapping Turtle from Elmira. Hannah Morley is the owner and is excited to meet you all! We are looking forward to spending another amazing day with you, too!

A couple of things to remember:

1. Don't forget to bring along a donation for the Food Bank if you are able. That will be greatly appreciated by many.

2. Don't forget to dig out the fanciest farm duds you can muster and get ready for the Zeal for Teal Spring Farm Fashion Show. Dust off those overalls, girls.

3. If you have a donation, now's the time to get it to us. We would love to acknowledge your generosity!

4. If you have anything for us to include in the goody box give-aways we will need at least 100 items. Please get them to us soon, if you would like to do any promo. We are happy to help.

5. Spread the word about walk-ins! $5 gets a lovely visitor a delightfully delicious snack, a shopping experience to make anyone's day and participation in most of the activities, silent auction, penny table, etc. $10 gets all of the above plus lunch (that will be between 12 and 1pm)

6. If anyone is able to donate baked goods, please let us know and then if you could have your goodies to us either on April 24th or the morning of the big day, that would be wonderful and greatly appreciated.

Thanks all.


See you all soon DOWN ON THE FARM! Can't wait. . .

Drayton Foodmarket Rocks

     Living in a small town is a wonderful thing. Living in Drayton is particularly wonderful when you have someone like Deb Ramage running the local foodmarket.

 

     We have one big grocery store in our town and the Deb, the owner, manager and all around nice proprietor has a big heart to match.           

     Drayton Foodmarket runs a Smart Shopper Stamp deal for all 

shoppers. With your grocery purchase you receive cards and you can place stamps on those cards and redeem them for discounts on most anything in the store. As part of her way of also giving back to the community, Deb puts up big stamp boards for the many charities in our area. Zeal for Teal has been no exception. Deb has supported Zeal for Teal ever since she came to the community by providing us with beverages for the day or baking or some other grocery item to help lessen the costs for our function. When Deb invited Zeal for Teal to post a board so that shoppers can have the option to post stamps, we were very grateful. 

     Well, today I was in to the store and our dear lovely, local grocer handed over a gift card worth $480. That will likely cover a good portion of the food bill for our special day. How blessed are we? 

     Not only do we have Deb to thank for allowing us to do this and for blessing us with this much, we have so many anonymous local shoppers to thank; those who didn't put the coupons on their own little cards for their own discount. Thank you so much for sharing and caring enough about our cause that you are willing to donate your stamps to us. We don't know who you are, but you do. We are very grateful for your generosity. 

 

We will eat well at Zeal for Teal and there will be more to donate to the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope because of you, Deb & our anonymous friends. Bless you. 

SAY IT ISN'T SO! (Well it's only a little true)

     It seems the cat is out of the bag. Rather than trying to catch it and put it back, the Zeal for Teal committee has decided that it might be better to let everyone know now what is in store for Zeal for Teal 2015. We really don't like rumours, anyway. And we know how things get blown out of proportion. We reasoned that putting a notice here about our intention might help soften the blow and would rendezvous the facts, too.

     As you know, for the past seven years, Zeal for Teal has been an incredible day of scrapbooking & crafting. We are blown away each year by the camaraderie, the passion and the support we feel every April - and that leading up to it.

     Our very first Zeal for Teal was in 2009 - 6 months post chemotherapy for me. We started out in the fellowship hall of Drayton Reformed Church with a whopping 48 people on board. We were full to the brim so the following year we moved to the Drayton Arena, doubled our participants and have been there ever since and have loved every minute of it (okay, maybe that is a stretch - the every minute part.) But we have all been stirred and encouraged by so much and so many of you; the old faithfuls who come back each year, and the newbies whose enthusiasm is immeasurable and contagious.

     Preparing for the scrapbooking and crafting event is exhausting work, and we actually begin planning for the following year right after the previous one is finished. Amanda and I usually start planning seriously in November and then the rest of the committee comes on board in January.

     Don't be mistaken, we are not afraid of hard work and especially because we know the fruits of our hard work can benefit women in so many ways.  But sometimes the time is ripe for change. We all know about the seasons of life. So, if please be duly informed that one season is over and it is time for Zeal for Teal Scrapbooking and Crafting Day, as you know, it to cease. 

Zeal for Teal 2015 will be the final event of its kind. 

     That said, check out the Statement of Purpose:  

The original intention for Zeal for Teal [when chairpersons, Amanda and Glynis started it in 2009] was to first of all – raise awareness and inform participants and others – especially susceptible women, about the signs and symptoms and the importance of detecting ovarian cancer in the early stages. The secondary purpose of Zeal for Teal was/is to raise funds for the Sunflower Seeds team as they participate, annually, in the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope in September.

     Notice it doesn't say anything about the type of event, so the good news is ZEAL FOR TEAL will continue. But it will look different in the future. Amanda and I will be undertaking some other form of fundraising - something that will be less taxing on our families, our work and our selves. Something that we can do on a lesser scale. The individual members of the committee have seen a lot of changes personally and professionally; Amanda and I included, so it's not the we need people to help fill the gap. That would be an easier task. It is just time for the committee to move on for now. 

     We know that we will disappoint some of you, but we also know that you go through times in your life where you have to admit that it is time. Our prayer is that you understand. 

     Amanda coined the phrase ZEAL FOR TEAL when we first had this hare-brained idea to raise money. Turned out it wasn't hare-brained at all. In fact it was quite brilliant. I mean over the years we have raised over $30,000. We are very proud of all of you all for helping us to achieve that.  We are very grateful to all of you. As an ovarian cancer survivor, I can easily say you have helped me in so many ways to have hope, to think positively and to keep the faith. Amanda and I will continue to participate still at the annual Barrie Walk of Hope and we are excited about finding ways to keep ZEAL FOR TEAL alive and beneficial to Ovarian Cancer Canada. Ovarian Cancer Canada is an incredible organization who advocates on behalf of those dealing with the wretched disease. We are proud to be affiliated and supported by them year after year. 

     I don't even know where to begin to talk about our incredible committee - in fact I will probably wait until May 1st to do so officially, but all is I can say is we owe so much gratitude and love to each of our committee members -

 DARLENE HAUSER has been with us from the beginning and every time I think of our relationship I cry (in a joyful way). She was ALWAYS ALWAYS there for me (us) and her generosity, which presented itself in many forms, stirred my heart and kept me smiling and going. 

AMBER TUCK is one of the busiest persons I know but her logical brain and overflowing heart has been an essential part of our day. With Amber we could always guarantee that the job would get done! What a difference the day was when  she came on board. 

ROSEMARY LATHAM - my sister and Amanda's aunt. All we had to do was whisper an idea and she would run with it and create some of the most beautiful, imaginative sets ever. Many of you have seen how creative she is! Rosemary's compassionate, giving heart presents itself in many forms behind the scenes. Although she is not fond of crowds, Rosemary sacrifices her anxious moments just for us. Never need we ask her twice. She is at the ready to do anything we ask. 

SUE BAUMAN - Sue in her brilliantly British manner is topnotch at getting the job done. She has a wonderfully creative eye, too, and as she works with Rosemary on all things magical and hands on and the proof is always in the pudding. She knows how to get her hands 'dirty'. Sue's favourite phrase at Zeal for Teal is usually something like 'what can I do?'  She, too, is always at the ready.
AMANDA HAUSER, Darlene's lovely daughter started with us when she was a little titch. She was a great little runner and although she wasn't officially on our committee, she dedicated her time to us every Zeal for Teal. Now she is no longer a little titch. She has blossomed into a beautiful young woman who has stepped up to the plate year after year. She helps us on many levels and does whatever we ask. And now her volunteering has nothing to do with her 40 required hours for school. She completed those in her first year of high school! Now she continues to bless us from her sweet heart. Wonder where she got that giving spirit? Thanks mom!

Then last but not least, our kitchen gals 

YVONNE TIMMERMAN and ANN KABBES - Let's just say they are our cooks extraordinaire. Where would Zeal for Teal have been without the magnificent - themed meals they have provided for us over the years? Not only can we rely on them to cook it all up, but they shop, they plan, they cook ahead, they put up with all our odd requests and they never say never. Their motivation is purely heart and faith-filled for we know that they really could find better things to do on a Saturday in April than cooking up grub for over 100 people. How grateful we are for their willingness to help us out at Z4T year after year. 

Our girls are marching on. We will miss them. But we also know that they will be there if we need them.

So there, you have it. Rumours no more. ZEAL FOR TEAL season ONE will be over in April. Please, please, please don't let that be a distraction to you having fun and enjoying the intention of the day as always!

 We have some exciting announcements and plans for the day that we want to remain a surprise so anticipate good things. No more rumours allowed.

   
 Amanda & Glynis

Food bank donations

Don't forget about bringing a canned or boxed donation (or a cash donation) to Zeal for Teal to snag an extra door prize ticket for more chances to win!

We donated over 12 re-useable grocery bags of food to the Drayton Food Bank last year so we hope to donate that and many more this year!  And you can help! 

Thank you for your kindness!

Thanks Kabbes Patch Rabbitry!

Well look-ee hear. Some nice boiled eggs are on the breakfast menu on Saturday, April 25th at the Drayton Arena. Special thanks to Tracy Kabbes for donating the Omega 3 eggs to our DOWN ON THE FARM Zeal for Teal Scrapbooking and Craft Day. What a tasty treat from Tracy's happy chickens.

Get those rolling bags packed ready with all your scrapbooking paraphernalia, crafts, sewing stuff, buttons to sort, or anything else you might want to bring for a great day out with the girls.

Two onsite stores available for your shopping pleasure!

And SO much more. Stay tuned for more details.

Come on out and support us as we raise funds for the Sunflower Seeds Team at the Barrie Walk of Hope for Ovarian Cancer Canada.

Exciting Things Happening in the Barn

Planning and preparations are well under way for the 7th annual Zeal for Teal Scrapbooking and Craft extravaganza. This year, as you have likely already heard, we are telling our gals to get out the jeans and overalls. Our DOWN ON THE FARM theme is simple yet guaranteed to be a whole lot of fun. 

Even if you are not particularly crafty, bring your button box to sort, or your photographs to organize. Maybe your laptop could use cleaning out. How about those socks that need darning or the repairs that need doing - yes, of course you can bring your sewing machine! Just come on out and spend some quality time laughing & learning with some pretty good prizes throughout the day!

We'll be hanging around in the barn and the country kitchen, sharing a good cup of coffee or two and maybe a juicy bit of news.

We'll have fun pinning the tail on those ornery cows competing with anyone who dares muddy their boots on stage. We'll be digging into the boiled eggs and farmer sausage to everyone's delight. Can't wait to see what our farmers' wives are cooking up for lunch. Mmmm. I can smell those pies already.

And watch out for those Cow Patties!

Heather Clemmer is returning to treat all our farm girls to a well deserved bit of pampering. Come sit back in our comfy chairs and enjoy a free mini manicure.

The ever popular Silent Auction and Penny Table will have prizes to suit and tempt both city or country gal alike. Don't forget to bring along a little extra shopping money. The Country Market will be open for business and will be selling all sorts of great goodies.

Of course this day is about raising awareness and learning all about how we need to pay attention to our bodies. Ovarian Cancer is often called the silent killer because the disease is so insidious and quiet and is often diagnosed in the later stages because of that. Come join us and help us make a noise. We will have a fantastic day away from routine and sharing some intimate & joyful moments.

This day is for YOU. Bring your daughter, granddaughter, mom, grandmom, aunt, niece, sister, neighbour - the more the merrier. Check out the registration package on the right to register. It's not too late. We still have room in the barn for YOU!

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE FRIDAY 14TH 2014!

Don't Delay. Sign up TODAY! 

    Almost last call farmer girls! We are getting down to the crunch for Early Bird deadliine. TWO - count'em - two days away - February 14th - a SWEETHEART of a deal.

     Get your registration forms in and your early bird fees and you will be officially allowed in the barn. (Don't worry we'll still let you in after February 14th but it will be $45 instead of $40). And you don't want to miss this great day! We've got some DOWN ON THE FARM surprises lined up for everyone. Dig out those overalls and blue jeans and get ready for a knee slappin' good time.

P.S. Some have registered but we don't have the $$ yet! We need to have your payment in before the sheep come home to roost. Or is that before the chickens fill the pen Or maybe before the rooster crows. Anyway - the point is, we need to hear from you soon.


     P.P.S.And if you haven't registered, please do so over there! Yep - right there. Can you see it? You got it. Sign up now before you forget.

Down on the Farm

     Yippee! We are back in the saddle. Zeal for Teal 2015, our annual fundraiser (raising funds for the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope) is gearing up for one amazing experience.

      Dig out those blue jeans and overalls and come join us down on the farm.

     We are planning another full and fantastic day of scrapbooking, crafting and all sorts of other
barn-raising fun. Stay tuned for details.

     We just wanted to let you know about the EARLY BIRD SPECIAL. Check out the details on the right hand side - yep! Over there. The deadline for saving some $$ is February 14th, 2015. Just do it!

 

  And more good news. This year- you can register online.  Just follow the guidelines and consider yourself welcomed into the corral.

   





 Keep an eye on our Facebook page, too, for updates.

Land Ahoy! Save the Date.

   

 Pirates and Scallywags alike, we are looking forward to spending some mighty fine time on the high seas with you. Saturday, April 26th at the Drayton Arena is the place to be. Hard to believe that this will be our 6th Annual Zeal for Teal Celebration. What a faithful crew we have. It's good to see our mates return year after year and it's equally exciting to receive new folk into our clan. 

     For those who are already registered, don't forget the fun we had last year with the Fashion Show. We are doing it again, so dig out those duds and be a mighty fine pirate! Of course you don't have to don bangle earrings and pirate pantaloons - maybe a hint of teal? We just want you to join us for another wonderful day of remembering and celebrating. It is always a bittersweet time because we celebrate and rejoice for the survivors and for the advancements that have been made in ovarian cancer research, but our hearts are also saddened for the gals who have lost their battle. 

     This year we are extremely thrilled, honoured and excited to have some special guests grace us with their presence. Three - maybe four gals - will be coming all the way from Barrie to join us. These great gals are all part of the Barrie Walk of Hope Committee and they are passionate about sharing their stories and how ovarian cancer has impacted their lives. You don't want to miss that. We are hoping our Barrie friends will be able to spend a good portion of the day with us, too! 

     Not only will we have some wonderful prizes, silent auction items and penny table surprises, we are also going to see how you fare with Captain Hook onstage. We heard you like a challenge! Curious yet? 

     Our Early Bird deadline for registration is just around the corner. You have until the stroke of midnight on January 31st to sign up and pay up! $40 and then $45 after deadline. Which is still a great deal. $10 goes automatically to the Sunflower Seeds Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope fund and then all profits from the rest of the day go there too! Last year we raised close to $5000.000. We'd love to meet or exceed that this year. So come on out and bring a few extra coppers to spend at our Seaside Market. You won't be disappointed. 

    Save the date and bring a friend. We also help the local food bank by encouraging participants to bring along a food [or monetary] donation to the cause. Life is good and when we can help out in so many wonderful ways, it is doubly rewarding. We hope you are able to join us for our great Swashbuckling day. 

   If you have any questions, let us know. We want to make this a fantastic day for you. A little pampering and a lot of spoiling can be a good thing once in a while. 

   Stay tuned for more updates and information. 

Land Ho! Mateys!

Yo! Ho! Ho! And a shipload of fun!

     Zeal for Teal 2014 is setting sail and the committee is busy planning another great day for some pretty wonderful and supportive pirate gals. That'd be YOU! 

     We will once again, look forward to seeing you and will be thrilled to welcome ye aboard ship as we embark upon another adventure together. 

     The Sunflower Seeds Team, on behalf of the Barrie Walk of Hope and Ovarian Cancer Canada, has another great day lined up. On Saturday, April 26th, 2014, we will raise the flag on our annual fundraiser and awareness day at the Drayton Arena. And if you haven’t already guessed - our theme is Pirates.

     Registration is now open and we are offering a swashbuckling EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! 

      If you sign up on or before midnight January 31st, 2014 the price to join in the fun is $40. After the deadline, the regular fee will be $45. 

    

      Come on out and spend some precious time on board ship for a day of scrapbooking, crafting, games, silent auction, penny table, shopping in the seaport market, maybe even a walk on the plank!

     Click here for a link and request your registration package or sign up now with Paypal. Don't be lily-livered me hearties. Get on board soon with our early bird bargain price. Will we be hearing from ye soon, Scallywags?  

   

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it!

     On April 27th we celebrate 5 years of Zeal for Teal. Yippee! Amanda and I can hardly believe the response over the years to this fabulous awareness and fundraising event. Who would have thought five years later we would still be going strong?

     We are so excited to welcome all our participants 'down the rabbit hole' as we plan for this year's exciting theme - Alice in Wonderland's Hoity-Toity Tea Party.

     For those who might be getting a little curiouser and curiouser but are unable to join us for the full day we are happy to invite you to pop in and enjoy our Zeal for Teal Open House. For $5.00 you can come check out our vendors, enjoy a snack and join in on our games, silent auction and penny table. Visitors are also invited to check out the Ovarian Cancer Canada information and awareness table. For an extra $5.00 if you come around lunch time (12-1pm) you can have lunch, too. You've just got to sample the Mock Turtle surprise and what would Alice in Wonderland be without jam tarts?

     If you have any questions about our open house, contact us at sunflower.seeds.team@gmail.com.   We hope you can join us!

“But I don’t want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.

"Oh, you can’t help that," said the Cat: "we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad."

"How do you know I’m mad?" said Alice.

"You must be," said the Cat, or you wouldn’t have come here.” 

― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

  

Pre-sale - Stampin Up & Miscellaneous Products for Sale

Margaret deWitt, our lovely Stampin' Up rep that has been with us since the beginning of our annual Zeal for Teal event, has decided to clean out her stash of gently loved SU products (and a few others) and sell them to help raise even more funds for Zeal for Teal. 50% of each sale goes to our Zeal for Teal day...if you want to purchase something, she can send you a paypal invoice or and EMT transfer or local pick up!

Just message us through our site and we'll get you in touch with Margaret.

Here is the list: 

(These will be available at our Zeal for Teal event as well....so if you want to look at them in person, I believe Margaret will have this gently fabulous selection of  merchandise.)

Setting the Table

     “And what is the use of a book," thought Alice, "without pictures or conversation?”

    

     I'm thinking that Alice was surely on to something here. Just as our lovely young lady was considering the purpose of pictures in a book, the Zeal for Teal Committee has been considering mightily the purpose of our special day. 

     Raising awareness and raising funds for ovarian cancer are the goals. Ovarian cancer remains one of the most serious of all 

gynaecological cancers and the powers that be are still searching for an early detection test.    

          Meanwhile we will still keep doing our part to help raise 

awareness and funds to aid in the process. AND we will have fun 

doing it! What better way to keep our sisters informed than to gather together in one accord in a room full of laughter and purpose?  

   We have expanded a little beyond scrap-booking, should some other crafty soul want to join us on the journey. We invite anyone who has even a hint of craftiness - whether it be knitting, sewing, computer graphics, painting, quilling, sketching, and more. Or even if you want to bring an entire lifetime of photographs to sort, we would welcome you to spend the day with us. 

          Did I mention our lovely and talented Miss Vicky is back? Miss Vicky will dazzle your day as she offers free mini manicures and a chance to relax and breathe in the atmosphere in Wonderland. 

          So you think you have superior architectural skills combined with

the patience of a white rabbit? Then why not try them out as you challenge a friend to build a house of cards. 

And if that isn't enough, perhaps you might like to etch the day in your memory forever? Grab a friend and get your photograph taken at the photo booth, complete with an ever expanding tickle trunk and prop selection. 

          Surprisingly and for some - good news - we have had a few spots come available down the rabbit  hole. If you know a peculiar mad-hatter type who would fit nicely at our table and who would feel compelled to partake in an incredibly crafty tea party, pass the word on.  

Contact us at sunflower.seeds.team@gmail.com for more information. 

          Don't forget to bring along a donation for the Drayton Food Bank this year. If you do so, an extra door prize ticket is our way of saying 'thank you for your generosity!' Also, bring along any extra pennies you might have stashed away. We are collecting them for our Zeal for Teal Penny Appeal.

          One last thing for now...remember to dress up for the occasion. An afternoon fashion show will delight the crowd as we choose a winner to proudly represent Zeal for Teal 2013. We can't wait to see your creativity in action.

          Can't wait to see you all...the table is set and the kettle's on.     

Zeal for Teal Kits for sale

Kits are now available for purchase!
They are only $15 each with $10 going to Ovarian Cancer Canada. (Two different styles available)*.  

*NOTE: Teacup is not included and embellishments vary.

Paypal option is available for purchasing kits online. Shipping and handling will be added at time of purchase.

 “Begin at the beginning," the King said, very gravely, "and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” 

― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

                                                                          

            ***************************************

    I will attempt to begin at the beginning...not sure where to begin but the beginning it shall be. Oh dear this post is getting curiouser and curiouser. I'm telling you gals, this Alice in Wonderland thing is starting to do strange things to my psyche. Maybe it has something to do with the overwhelming response we have had this year. We are still two weeks away from the Early Bird deadline and we are full. Oh dear...oh dear...oh dear. Now we have a waiting list. 

     We can hardly wait - although there is still a lot of work to be done to make it a memorable day for our participants. We are setting the table for tea and looking forward to a wonderful day. 

     Don't forget to put on your fancy dress according to Alice in Wonderland characters. For those brave enough, we will invite you to show off your fashion creativity in more ways than one. 

     We have a zany game for those competitive souls and lest anyone wonder - our Ye Olde Tea Shoppe will be open for business offering wonderful wares and baked goodies of every description. A giant Eat Me Basket will be up for grabs. Come find out how you could be the winner. 

     This is a mere smattering of what lies in store for you beyond the rabbit hole on April 27th at the Drayton Arena. Zeal for Teal will be celebrating 5 years. We are thrilled to be able to say we have been a part of helping raise awareness in our little community about ovarian cancer. Also we are so thankful to everyone who participates in many different ways to help raise crucial funds for the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope.  

     So ladies, look forward to a superb day of fun, fellowship, laughter and hope as we make this 5th annual Zeal for Teal the best yet. Dig out those mad hats and anticipate greatness with a dash of madness!

                                          

                ***********************************************

    “But I don’t want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.

"Oh, you can’t help that," said the Cat: "we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad."

"How do you know I’m mad?" said Alice.

"You must be," said the Cat, or you wouldn’t have come here.” 

― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland