Record total of more than $108k raised at Ruthven Apple Festival

Members of Ruthven Apple Festival steering committee celebrated the record total. Front (from left): CLEC executive director Corey Dalgleish, Chantell Dupuis, Briane Taggart, Laura Bianchi. Middle: Joe Colasanti, Jana Blair, Tony DeSantis, Tom Bonneau. Back: Pete Palancai, Normand Lalonde, chair Terry Colasanti, Erin Bryant, George Raffoul. Absent: Janell Violet, Nick DiLaudo, Amanda Martin, Barry Wilson, Jessica DeSantis. (Submitted photo)

Members of the Ruthven Apple Festival Steering Committee gathered at Mettawas Restaurant in Kingsville Jan. 29 to wrap up and celebrate the results of the 46th annual festival, the most successful ever. 

The weekend setting in late September was the perfect storm as sunny skies attracted thousands to Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens where the event raised a record setting $108,354, eclipsing the previous record of $75,000 after the pandemic.  

The signature event for Community Living Essex County (CLEC) has always been a highlight of the fall season. 

CLEC executive director Corey Dalgleish was on hand for the meeting and was thrilled with the 2025 festival results.

“Thanks to Colasanti’s for playing host and to the entire team of volunteers, your leadership, planning and countless hours behind the scenes is what makes this event such a success,” said Dalgleish.  

As well, Dalgleish took a moment to bring greetings and thanks from Chad Sutherland, chair of CLEC’s board of directors. 

“The funds raised from this festival directly enhance programs and services that promote inclusion, independence and quality of life for over 700 individuals and their families across Essex County,” the greetings read.  

The final words of thanks came from Tony DeSantis, manager of community relations and resource development with CLEC.  “Even after my 22 years of helping to plan this event, I am still amazed at the outpouring of support we receive from communities across Essex County, including an army of volunteers, staff, people supported, farmers, corporate and business support. It truly takes a village.”

Record total of more than $108k raised at Ruthven Apple Festival

Special to the RTT