20th Gala Dinner & Auction Review

MICA Director and GALA Chair Krista Longard and Committee Member Patti Robertson all ready!

MICA’s 20^th Gala Dinner and Auction annual fundraiser was held on the evening of November 9, 2025, at the Oak Island Inn and Resort.

MICA Directors Bryan Palfreyman, Scott Robertson and John Meisner greeted guests after which Gala Committee members Dawn Smeaton and Marla Benton welcomed them with the program for the evening.

GALA Committee members Dawn Smeaton and Marla Benton welcoming guests.

Following a time for socialization and inspection of auction items, the enthusiastic crowd of MICA supporters were invited to take their seats in the dining room at 6:20 pm.

Paul Buchanan, who provided the sound system for the event, also led with the singing of Oh Canada.

MICA Secretary Syd Dumaresq, MC for the evening, then welcomed everyone with a recognition of those who came before us and the beauty and tranquility they would have observed in this very special part of the world, followed by a moment of silence in respect of Remembrance Day.

Volunteers Tony Sampson, Laurel Darnell, Reid Campell and Director and GALA Committee Member Deb Hawkes at the Membership Table

Dinner was then served while Syd introduced MICA Chair John Meisner. John welcomed everyone and started his comments by thanking, on behalf of everyone in attendance, Krista Longard, Gala Committee Chair and her committee for their tremendous work and energy in organizing this 20^th GALA.

GALA Committee members Patti Robertson and Jeannie McLean in the Silent Auction Room.

John then introduced the elected officials in attendance including MP Jessica Fancy, MLA Danielle Barkhouse, MODL Mayor Elspeth McLean Wile and councillors Wendy Oickle, Martin Bell and Alexander MacDonald, MOC Warden Alan Webber, TOMB Mayor Suzanne Lohnes Croft and Councillor Bryan Palfreyman, and TOL Deputy Mayor Rachael Bailly. John recognized the significant support from various levels of government that have been so important to MICA. He then shared MICA achievements of this past year starting with the partnered acquisition of Birch Island (off Martins Point) known locally as Birchy. He invited the newest members of the MICA Board, Craig and Carla Heffler to exchange the white island table marker to green signifying it becomes a MICA island.

Chair John Meisner, Directors Carla and Craig Heffler.

He also gave an update on the Public Mooring progress and announced that Al Mosher and Michelle Stevens very recently handed over their mooring in big cove Backmans to MICA which resulted in much applause. John said it would be converted to a registered public mooring for next season and hoped that Al and Michelle’s action would be an inspiration for others who own moorings off MICA islands to do the same. The corporate supporters were then recognized and thanked (51 in total – a record) for their endorsement of the MICA Mission and for investing back into our community. (link to 2025 Corps). John then thanked the GALA artists and donors who have been so generous and have provided so many tremendous items for the live and silent auctions. He then complimented island users on the good stewardship last season and reminded all attendees to join if they are not members. In conclusion, John introduced and thanked the individual MICA Board members on behalf of the attendees.

Syd Dumaresq wkith opening remarks and Krista Longard.

A lovely chicken dinner was then served. Liz Brideau Clark of the GALA Committee reminded guests of the countdown to the closing of the Silent Auction. Our enthusiastic auctioneer, Hubert Ryan then got the Live Auction underway doing his best to pull the maximum dollars for the items. The Live Auction was broken into segments with a tremendous variety of items from art work, carvings, pottery and experiences. Something for everyone!

Hubert Ryan, our Auctionaire, in action.

MP Jessica Fancy was invited to make the draw for the traditional GALA raffle. Long time MICA member and supporter Debbie Fraser was the winner of two tickets to next year’s GALA and $250. Debbie promptly donated her cash winnings back to MICA. Thank you Debbie.

And then the winning ticket was drawn for the surprise package.

Patti Robertson with the Surprise Package.

The huge gift wrapped mysterious package was wheeled into the dining room. The ticket draw made by the Oak Island culinary staff. Another long time MICA member and supporter, Robert Hazel was the lucky winner of two lovely outdoor chairs and cushions generously donated by Home Hardware in Chester.

At the end of the evening the volunteers at the cashier’s table were bustling with activity as they quickly and efficiently processed the winning bidders, sending them home with their new found treasures, smiles and high spirits.

In summary, it was another very successful GALA. Net proceeds for MICA should be in the order of $70,000 for the event. Many positive comments were received on the evening. A great group of volunteers made the 20^th GALA a very memorable event.

MICA Directors and the GALA Committee would like to thank everyone for coming and contributing to our 20^th GALA.