[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 61-03, July - September, 2007 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

APOC says “Thanks!”

By Duncan Macgregor, Treasurer, APOC

Ontario’s 22^nd Pep Rally was held on June 19, 2007 at the Capitol Banquet Centre. Close to 600 Ontario Barbershoppers supported this annual event and it was another night of harmony and fellowship to remember.

The Association of Past Ontario Quartet Champions (APOC) wishes to express our “Thanks” to all Ontario Barbershoppers who attended the Pep Rally and who donated talent, prizes, and money to help make the Pep Rally such a success.  

The main purposes of the Pep Rally are:

• to provide a venue for our International representatives to strut their stuff prior to competing at the International Convention.
• To raise funds to help subsidize our International representatives travel to International.
• To provide an evening of Barbershop Fellowship for all Ontario Barbershoppers.

On behalf of all Ontario Barbershoppers, APOC was able to provide a minimum of $11,500 to our International representatives.

The amount could be more once we know the number of Ontario Seniors Quartets who will be allowed to compete at the 2008 Mid-Winter Convention.  The cheques provided to the Northern Lights Chorus and to the MegaCity Chorus totaled $7,000. These awards are now called The Greg Backwell Award in recognition of Greg’s contribution to the founding of APOC.

Mirage was provided $1,500 and this award is now named The Harry Wilson Award in recognition of Harry’s contribution to Ontario as the originator of the annual Pep Rally.

The Gin And Tonics (our College Reps) were presented with $1,500 and this award has been named The Four Chorder’s Award in recognition to The Four Chorders Quartet for starting in their teens and for putting Ontario on the International map in the early years of our district.  The winner of the Seniors Quartet Championship will be presented $1,500 at our fall convention, and any additional wild card entries to the International Seniors Quartet Contest will receive $750.  

APOC would like to pay special tribute to Greg Backwell who once again donated several prints for our draw, and to Bob’s Yer Uncle who donated a performance to the draw for the second year in a row.  

An evening, such as the annual Pep Rally would not go forward year after year without a lot of help and assistance from many people. Over 50 tables were sold for this event and we say “Thanks” to those who reserved tables. APOC members ran the draw and thanks goes to those who donated prizes, to those who sold draw tickets and to those who bought tickets.  

The Scarborough Dukes provided the risers once again (thanks to Max Woudstra for delivering them), and Jim Price provided the sound system for our listening enjoyment.

And, to the many quartets and choruses who provided entertainment to the throng, we say “Thanks for this important contribution.”  To those who helped set-up and tear-down, your help was really appreciated (especially Sandy Todd).

And lastly, our Thanks goes to Neil Aitchison for directing the traffic (with the help of Ray Danley who is off to China) and for providing the many laughs throughout the evening.    

Lastly, please mark Tuesday, June 17, 2008, on your calendar when we will congregate once again for Ontario’s 23^rd annual Pep Rally.

APOC looks forward to seeing you there!       k