Article by Jason Setnyk | Photo Submitted by Julie Iwachniuk
Dixon’s Corners, Ontario – Get ready to step back in time and immerse yourself in an evening of opulence and intrigue at the WDMH Foundation’s signature fundraising event of 2023. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 3rd, as the Matilda Community Hall plays host to an unforgettable 1920s Murder Mystery. With its upscale theme and captivating entertainment, this event promises an evening of excitement, all in support of the WDMH Foundation’s Family Care Fund.
The festivities will commence at 4:30 PM when the doors swing open, welcoming guests to a bygone era of sophistication and allure. The evening will kick off with a cocktail hour at 5:15 PM, providing the perfect opportunity to mingle and soak up the atmosphere.
As the anticipation builds, guests will be treated to a delicious plated dinner crafted by the esteemed Traiteur La Bonne Bouffe Catering. The tantalizing menu offers a choice between roasted chicken, ham roast, or an eggplant tower, satisfying every palate with culinary delights.
Throughout the night, an array of captivating activities will unfold. Prepare to be enticed by the enchanting live auction, led by local auctioneer Brandon Scheepers, offering a chance to bid on extraordinary experiences and treasures. For those who prefer a more discreet pursuit, the silent auction will showcase an assortment of desirable items waiting to be claimed by the highest bidder. Raffles and games will add an extra dash of excitement, creating moments of thrill and suspense.
Capture memories of this extraordinary evening at the free photo booth, where you can strike a pose and leave with a memento of the night’s glamour. The air will be filled with the infectious melodies of Ice – No Slice, a band renowned for their fabulous music that keeps the crowd dancing until the late hours.
The night’s highlight will undoubtedly be the theatrical production by the esteemed Murder on the Funny Side Theatre Productions. Brace yourself for an intriguing journey as they present their spellbinding masterpiece, “Clues Lead to Murder at the Down Town Abbey” by Laurie McRae-Bingley. With talented performers and a gripping storyline, this theater production promises to captivate and entertain.
Laurie McRae-Bingley, a seasoned scriptwriter with more than two decades of experience, has delighted audiences with her original works, relishing in the laughter that emanates from the crowd. Throughout her career, Laurie has performed with various theater groups, but her passion for bringing her own comedic scripts to life on stage motivated her to establish her own company, “Murder on the Funny Side Theatre Productions,” in May 2009. Her goal was to utilize her talent for entertaining and transport people into a world of amusement, providing them respite from their troubles for a few hours.
Enthusiastically catering to various events, from fundraisers to Christmas parties and business staff appreciation gatherings, Laurie believes that the joy she imparts to clients and audiences generates an adrenaline rush, making it difficult for her to unwind after a show. Her success primarily relies on the power of word-of-mouth recommendations. Laurie’s murder mystery themes have captivated audiences all over Ontario, headlining fundraisers for esteemed organizations across SDSG and Ontario. Her next show is this Saturday.
“A representative from Winchester Hospital contacted me after she heard about my company from an audience member who attended a previous murder mystery event. We are performing for their fundraiser gala this coming Saturday,” McRae-Bingley said.
Thus, Laurie and her cast will be performing at the Matilda Hall for the hospital’s upcoming fundraising gala this Saturday. “Clues Lead to Murder at the Down Town Abbey” is a spoof of the popular TV show Downton Abbey and the board game “Clue.”
“It is set in the 1920s, so we encourage all guests to dress in 1920s attire, and we set up a photo booth with props and clothing for them to use. This helps immerse the audience into the festivities,” McRae-Bingley explains.
The WDMH Foundation’s 1920s Murder Mystery event aims to raise crucial funds for the Family Care Fund, which supports families needing medical care. By attending this unforgettable evening, supporters not only indulge in a night of elegance and mystique but also contribute to the community’s well-being.
Tickets for this extraordinary event are available now at the WDMH Foundation and online via Event Brite. Act quickly, as tickets are expected to sell out rapidly. To secure a place at the 1920s Murder Mystery, contact Justine at 613-774-2422 x 6172 or email jp******@wd**.ca .
Don’t miss the opportunity to become part of this enchanting journey through time. Join the WDMH Foundation’s 1920s Murder Mystery Fundraiser on June 3rd at the Matilda Community Hall and help make a difference while indulging in an evening of grandeur and suspense.