Dear Fellow Community Member

As the Oakville Chamber of Commerce begins planning for a new year our thoughts turn once again to how we can enliven Oakville's sense of community, and bring business to our merchants.

The All Charities Auction originated with these goals in mind. Members of nonprofits donated items, the Chamber produced and promoted the auction and all the money received went directly to that non profit.

Since 2000 over $27,000 have been raised, and returned to you to invest in your Oakville programs.

At the auction we give someone the opportunity to bid on your organization's piece of furniture or a homemade berry pie. If you ask for new items from businesses it gives your organization even better visibility.

Our history has shown this is a great way to help you raise money with a minimum amount of effort.

This year we really need your help. The Chamber can staff and produce the auction, but recently all of us have fallen short of getting bidders and high quality items - to raise money and bring awareness to our community.

Your help is needed to help insure the continuing success of this event.

There will be a meeting on Thursday, February 8th at 6:30 pm at the Little Bit to brainstorm ideas (if you are interested but cannot attend on this date call 273-2702 before Feb. 8th and we will plan to meet with you individually). The Chamber is asking for a commitment that at least 2/3 of last years participanting organizations attend this meeting.

This is an important meeting. It will decide the future of the All Charities Auction for 2007. Your input will help us decide if the auction will be held.

We really hope to see you at the meeting, and encourage you to bring your counterpart from any other interested nonprofit. Janice Howell President Oakville Chamber of Commerce