Fundraising for a Golden Age Category at the 2016 Akwesasne International Powwow

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Senior Center, Iakhihsohtha Elders Lodge and Tsiionkwanonhso:te Adult Care Facility started meeting many months before they thought of possibly sponsoring a golden age category at the Akwesasne International Powwow.

Romaine Mitchell initially thought of the idea, noticing that other powwows had the golden age category, yet Akwesasne didn't. He started discussing the idea with others knowing that with the right people and a supportive community anything was possible. With positive feedback the three organizations jointly decided to pursue the idea of sponsoring the 2016 golden age category.

For the first fundraiser the group decided to host a garage sale. Community members graciously donated clothes, shoes and various household items for the event. Collectively, they had enough items to fill the large garage located next to the Seniors Center in Hogansburg. Eight tables were also piled high with clothing outside of the garage location. Strawberry drink and lemonade were also sold by the glass for $2 each at the garage sale event.

By noon on Saturday, June 18, 2016, the garage sale had raised over $900. At the sale community members gave a monetary donation of their choice, instead of individually paying for each item. In the end, the group met their goal of $1,400, allowing the group to successfully secure the golden aged category at the 2016 Akwesasne International Powwow.

"It may have taken people only 20 minutes to gather up donations or to sort through items at the garage sale, but that was 20 minutes spent thinking about the elders in the community and it is heartfelt knowing that so many people care," said Jamie Ross.

Many long hours spent planning, sorting items and setting up and taking down the sale made for a very successfully and meaningful fundraiser.

"Establishing the golden age category at the Akwesasne International Powwow will bring out the elders in the community. The elders are here, but they get lost sometimes in the long-term care facilities. They want to be involved too," said Jamie Ross.

The group would like to express their greatest appreciation and thanks to all the community members and volunteers who made this fundraising event possible. All the hard work is to benefit the elders in the community and we look forward to watching their faces, as they watch the golden age competition at the 2016 Akwesasne International Powwow.