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Students rally after feeling effects of cancerBy Angela Blackburnly cool silent auction and raffle prizes coming inOAKVILLE BEAVER STAFFthis year, said one of the events organizersAngeline Hawthorn.Lucky seven.Get ready for an evening of glitz andA group of seven Oakville high school friendsglam...word on the street is there are someis hoping to strike luck with the towns secondamazing silent auction prizes up for big, so grabannual Bal de Neige Casino Royale ona date and reacquaint yourself with old faces andFeb. 26 at Le Dome Banquet Hall.while youre at it, meet some new ones, reads aThis dress-up ball is not for the high schoolweb ad for the event.crowd though, its for adults only.Behind the ball is a group of St. ThomasThe only students involved are the organiz-Aquinas friends and students, includingers. Hawthorn, each of whom has been touched byIt appears this group of seven however cancer in some way.each inspired by a person dear to them has aThe loss for Maddie Pace, 16, of her youngerknack for entertaining the adult crowd.brother Alex just before his 12th birthday a lit-Last years inaugural Bal de Neige drew moretle more than two years ago was the catalyst.than 400 guests.While Bal de Neige, which hopes to attractIt also took in approximately $25,000 for theupwards of 500 guests or more this year, mayCoast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation: Inhave been Maddies brainchild, her friends, assupport of Kids and Families with Cancer.always, rallied around.Bal de Neige is a traditional winter celebra-That group of friends some knowing onetion in Quebec. another since Kindergarten or Grade 1 at St.Last years local edition borrowed theDominics School now all attend St. Thomascarnevale theme taking its lead from a long-Aquinas High School.standing winter tradition in Italy akin to NewThe group of seven is known as Team AlexOrleans Mardi Gras and encompassed a dress-and includes Rachel Furlan, Hawthorn, Lauraup, masquerade ball.Medlock, Maddie, Julie Walden, Emily McIntoshThis year, its the James Bond-inspiredand Nicole Kasslack.ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVERCasino Royale theme.They are all in Grade 11 and have also madeBAL DE NEIGE: St.Thomas Aquinas student organizers of the second annual adults-only win-People should definitely expect a few funit a tradition to participate in the Inside Ride, anter ball in support of Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation from left,Rachel Furlan,Angelinedecorations from the Casino Royale theme, asindoor, stationary cycling event in support ofHawthorn,Laura Medlock,Maddie Pace,Julie Walden,Emily McIntosh,and Nicole Kasslack.See Everyone page 11well as themed music. And there are some real-JSAFAINNLBetter than GraniteUEAASL R EWHERITAGEYV EEGranite TransformationsENLifestyle Home FurnishingsSINCE 1977KTE ND!BeforeFREE SINKFromHigh Style SofasWITH THE PURCHAIncredible Solid Wood SE OF CABINETRY $$AND COUNTERTOPS FROMIn Stock FromDining Room Groups1999799GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONSStainless steel sink, model KSS504 and KSS508. AfterMay not be combined with other offers or discounts. Expires 1/31/2011. CABINET REFACING AND COUNTERTOPSWhen you want granite, the choice is clear. Our granite with Forever Seal offers superior durability and a fast clean installation, usually in a day. Our innovative granite surfaces bond permanently over your existing countertop, wall surround, shower or bath. Theyre maintenance free, never need sealing and backed by a LIFETIME WARRANTY. Granite Transformations also offers cabinet refacing!See for yourself. For aFREEin-home design consultation, call us at: 1-888-232-1363or visit us at 529 Speers Road, OakvilleFromSolid Maple $$Unique Accent BuffetsCanadian Made King BedNow1299699 Done in a day. Beautiful for life.6 Months, NO PaymentsAbsolutely Incredible Prices, Limited Quantities!NO Interest. O.A.C.ALL IN STOCK! DONT MISS OUT!www.granitetransformations.com4205 Fairview Street, Burlington 905-634-5298AS SEEN ONwww.heritagefurniture.ca 2011 Granite Transformations. Some restrictions may apply. Please see store for complete details.www.oakvillebeaver.com OAKVILLE BEAVERFriday, January 28, 2011 10