Conservation Foundation, Exeter Lions to bring back online auction in 2026 in support of community projects
Conservation Auction Committee announces return of virtual auction, 50-50 raffle draw in April 2026; Winning bidders can buy unique items while supporting trails, opportunities for youth, outdoor recreation and education, and other local projects
A partnership of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, Exeter Lions Club, and the local community has raised more than $1.42 million, over 35 years, in support of needed projects. The Conservation Auction Committee has announced plans to bring back the online auction and 50-50 raffle draw in 2026.
George Irvin and Janet Clarke are Co-Chairs of the 2026 Conservation Auction. They encourage you to ‘save the dates’ (April 9-16, 2026) for the online auction.
We are excited to continue this close and successful partnership that has benefitted our local communities for more than 35 years,” said Co-Chair George Irvin. The online auction and 50-50 raffle draw raised more than $30,000 in 2025 for local projects. “We hope the return of these community fundraisers can continue to support work that could not happen otherwise,” he said.
The Conservation Auction Committee has held successful online auctions in 2021, 2022, and 2025. Those three virtual auctions, combined with 50-50 draws, raised more than $90,000 over those three years.
“The online auction format is fun and people can bid on lots of great items, over several days, in communities near and far, without having to purchase a ticket,” said Co-Chair Janet Clarke. “They also know they are supporting important projects in the area.”
The Conservation Auction Committee will announce more details in the new year and notify the public when the online auction is live in April 2026. The link to the live auction will be posted on the online auction web page.
The Co-Chairs say they would like to thank all the people and businesses who donate items for the online auction. “We are looking for donors of auction items,” said Co-Chair Janet Clarke. “If you are interested in donating funds or donating items to the online Conservation Auction, please phone Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation or speak with a Conservation Auction committee member.” The committee welcomes donations of items of great or modest value as well as donations of gift cards and cash.
Organizers of the 36th Conservation Auction say they are keeping the door open to a possible return of the in-person Dinner and Auction in a future year but committee members agreed the virtual auction is the best way to go for the upcoming year. Co-Chair George Irvin gave special thanks to auctioneers Bob Heywood, Ben Lobb, Richard Lobb, and Kevin McArter, who have generously contributed their skills, in the live auctions at the Conservation Dinner, over many decades. He said he hopes the live auction and Dinner will return in the future.
Exeter Lions Club has been co-partner with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, on the Auction, since 1991. Net profits are split evenly between the two organizations. The annual charitable auction supports needed initiatives in the area, such as parks and trails and conservation areas, outdoor recreation events and experiences for youth and families, conservation education for the young and young at heart, job and education opportunities for youth, and other local conservation projects that depend on the auction for support.
The 50-50 raffle draw prize, for 2026, could be as high as $7,500 if all tickets are sold. Tickets (pending) will be sold between February 16 and April 16, 2026. The draw of the winning ticket is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
If you have questions about the auction, you may phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
A collage of covers and photos from 35 years of Conservation Auctions (1990-2025).
35th Conservation Auction online for 2025 raises more than $30,000 for community
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and Exeter Lions Club thank generous local donors and bidders for raising more than $30,000 for needed community projects through Conservation Auction
The 35th Conservation Auction, which was online for 2025, has raised more than $30,000 to support local projects which could not happen without this community support. The early estimated net proceeds, of this year’s charitable fundraiser, are based on a combined total of online auction bids, donations, and ticket sales for the 50-50 raffle draw which took place prior to the virtual auction.
The Conservation Auction Committee Chair for 2025 is Chris Keller of the Exeter Lions Club. He said donors to the auction were very generous this year and so were bidders.
“On behalf of the Conservation Auction Committee, the Exeter Lions Club, and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, I want to thank everyone who made this possible,” he said. “We give our heartfelt thanks to our generous local businesses, sponsors, donors, bidders, and volunteers. You have made a positive difference for your community and we can’t thank you enough.”
The success of this year’s event means that the Conservation Auction has raised more than $1.42 million over 35 years.
The Exeter Lions Club has been co-partner, with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the watershed community, on the Auction, since 1991. Net profits are split evenly between projects of the Conservation Foundation and the Exeter Lions Club.
The annual charitable auction supports needed initiatives in the area, such as parks and trails and conservation areas, outdoor recreation events and experiences for youth and families, conservation education for the young and young at heart, job and education opportunities for youth, and other local conservation projects that depend on the auction for support.
Successful bidders in the online auction can pick up their items, during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation office, east of Exeter, at 71108 Morrison Line, by May 30. If you have any questions about the auction, please phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
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MORE THAN 130 ITEMS INCLUDED IN CONSERVATION AUCTION ONLINE FOR 2025: Thanks to generous donors and bidders, the 35th Conservation Auction, a partnership of Exeter Lions Club and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the watershed community, raised more than $30,000 for local projects that need this support. There were more than 130 auction items in the virtual auction which ran from May 12-15. In this photo, Jackson Janmaat, of the Conservation Auction Committee, is shown with a couple of those items.
Interested people invited to check out 120 auction items in online charity auction; Virtual auction will be live for bidding at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025 and people can continue to bid until 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025; You can take a ‘sneak peek’ now, on web page, at some of the wonderful auction items in the auction
The 35th Conservation Auction Committee is ready for the online auction to go live at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025 and remain live for bidding until 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Here is the link to the auction web page:
There’s no bidding on the online auction prior to May 12 but the public is welcome to take a ‘sneak peek’ now at 120 fabulous items that will be available for bidding.
The Conservation Auction Committee Chair for 2025 is Chris Keller of the Exeter Lions Club. He said the online format means more people can take part and they will have more opportunities to take part as the virtual auction runs for four days instead of a single evening. “There are 120 wonderful items to bid on, and it’s a fantastic way to make a positive difference for your community,” he said. “We appreciate all the people who have supported the Conservation Dinner over the years and we hope they will continue to support this community fundraiser in a different format this year.”
The auction items are grouped in categories including experiences; food and drink; garden; health and beauty; and house and home. The auction items, thanks to generous donors, include: hotel stays; dining; theatre; experiences; health and beauty; one-of-a-kind handcrafted items; autographed sports memorabilia; autographed entertainment memorabilia; artwork; golf passes; power tools; and much, much more.
A link to the Zeffy.com auction web page is posted at ConservationDinner.com by clicking the ‘online auctions’ tab.
If you have questions about the virtual auction phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or email info@abca.ca or visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation office east of Exeter at 71108 Morrison Line (just south of Highway 83).
The Conservation Auction has raised more than $1.39 million, for work in local communities, over its history dating back almost three and a half decades.
The Exeter Lions Club has been co-partner, with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the watershed community, on the Auction, since 1991.
Net profits are split 50-50 between projects of the Conservation Foundation and the Exeter Lions Club.
The annual charitable auction (online for 2025) supports needed community initiatives such as parks and trails and conservation areas, outdoor recreation events and experiences for youth and families, conservation education, job and education opportunities for youth, and other projects in local watershed communities.
THREE-BOOK AUTOGRAPHED PACKAGE WORTH $80 – Huron County author Tim B. Cumming and Colbourn Publishers have donated a collection of three of his books, worth $80 in total, to the Conservation Auction, which is online for 2025. #ConservationAuction This collection includes his play, The Tiger’s Lion, which is filled with Huron County history and which played to full houses when it was performed at the historic The Livery Theatre • Goderich Little Theatre. This set also includes the two books Exit (X8) and Climate (Climb8). #ClimateChangeNovel Combined, the books X8 and Climb8 make up the two parts of the complete #climatechangenovel novel, Planet (Plan8). The online auction begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025 and continues until Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 8 p.m. Find out more: https://conservationdinner.com/online-auctions/
Grand Bend’s Kaleigh Clemens wins 2025 50-50 raffle draw worth $5,000
Generous local community buys all 1,000 tickets printed
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF), Exeter Lions Club, and the Conservation Auction Committee would like to congratulate Kaleigh Clemens, of Grand Bend, winner of the 2025 50-50 Raffle Draw.
She wins $5,000 as the generous local community bought every one of the 1,000 tickets printed.
ABCF, Exeter Lions, and the Auction Committee thank everyone who bought a ticket in support of needed local community projects that could not happen otherwise.
The winning ticket was drawn at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter.
In photo, from left to right, drawing the ticket, are Chris Keller, Chair of the Conservation Auction Committee, and Dave Frayne, Chair of the Conservation Foundation.
The 50-50 Raffle Draw was operated under lottery licence #M835225.
The winning ticket was sold by Tom Hartai at Brigitte’s Fashions & Thomas H Fine Menswear in Exeter.
The 50-50 Raffle Draw is over but the 35th Conservation Auction (online for 2025) is still ahead! Enjoy the chance to support your community and bid on some amazing items online.
The virtual auction begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025 and continues until Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 8 p.m.
The Conservation Auction Committee will be hosting its virtual auction on the Zeffy.com platform. A link, to the Zeffy auction site, will be shared in the coming weeks on the Online Auction web page.
Auction Committe Chair Chris Keller and ABCF Chair Dave Frayne at 50-50 draw
Conservation Auction, online for 2025, begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025 and continues until Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 8 p.m.; Watch in coming weeks for link, to online auction, on virtual auction web page
The Conservation Auction Committee has set the dates for the 35th Conservation Auction, which is online for 2025.
The virtual auction begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025 and continues until Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 8 p.m.
The Conservation Auction Committee will be hosting its virtual auction on the Zeffy.com platform. A link, to the Zeffy auction site, will be shared in the coming weeks on the Online Auction web page.
The Conservation Auction Committee Chair for 2025 is Chris Keller of the Exeter Lions Club. He encourages people to save the May 12-15 dates for the online auction this year. The online format means more people are able to take part and they will have more opportunities to take part as the virtual auction runs for four days instead of a single evening.
“Even though we won’t be hosting the auction in person this year the online auction will be a lot of fun,” he said. “There are going to be many wonderful items to bid on, and it’s a fantastic way to make a positive difference for your community.”
If you have questions, or would like to donate, phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or email info@abca.ca or visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation office east of Exeter at 71108 Morrison Line (just south of Highway 83).
The Conservation Auction has raised more than $1.39 million, for work in local communities, over its history dating back almost three and a half decades. The Exeter Lions Club has been co-partner, with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the watershed community, on the Auction, since 1991. Net profits are split 50-50 between projects of the Conservation Foundation and the Exeter Lions Club.
The annual charitable auction (online for 2025) supports needed community initiatives such as parks and trails and conservation areas, outdoor recreation events and experiences for youth and families, conservation education, job and education opportunities for youth, and other projects in local watershed communities.
Auction Committee plans to continue to support needed projects in the community by changing fundraiser from dinner to online auction for 2025
The 35th Conservation Auction is changing for the 2025 year. The community auction committee has decided to change the fundraising event from an in-person dinner to an online auction for this year.
The Conservation Auction Committee Chair for 2025 is Chris Keller of the Exeter Lions Club. He says the organizers will miss the fellowship of an in-person event this year but he said changing the format is the right thing to do at this time.
“The community projects that are possible thanks to this auction still need our support – we just need to raise that money in a different way,” he said. “The business community has been really supportive this year with sponsorships and donations and we thank them for their support,” he said.
During the current economic uncertainty, however, ticket sales for the in-person event have not kept pace with previous years. There were also fewer special raffle and live auction items donated this year. He said the committee didn’t want to proceed with an in-person event this year if it couldn’t meet the high standards set at previous Conservation Dinners.
The Auction Committee plans to reimagine the event in 2025 and conduct an online auction, likely in May. The Committee Chair encourages the public to watch for updates on dates and times, expected in the coming weeks.
“We appreciate all the people who have supported the Conservation Dinner over the years and we hope they will continue to support this community fundraiser in a different format this year,” he said.
This is not the first time the Auction Committee has held this community fundraiser online. During the pandemic, the auction was held virtually in 2021 and 2022 before returning as a live event in 2023 and 2024.
“We were very grateful to the community for its support of our online auctions in 2021 and 2022 and we hope people will enjoy bidding on some great auction items at the online auction we plan to hold in 2025,” said Chair Keller.
The 50-50 Raffle Draw is continuing and the Auction Committee Chair encourages people to buy tickets, which are only $10 and the winner can win up to $5,000 if all tickets are sold. (Tickets must be sold in Ontario).
Anyone who has purchased a Conservation Dinner ticket will be eligible for a full refund, if they so wish, upon return of the charitable gift receipt, for income tax purposes, that was provided at the time of ticket purchase. Alternatively, ticket purchasers may choose to donate all or part of their ticket purchase and receive a charitable gift receipt for the full amount of their donation.
If you have questions, or want to donate to the online auction fundraiser, phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or email info@abca.ca or visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation office east of Exeter at 71108 Morrison Line (just south of Highway 83).
The Conservation Auction has raised more than $1.39 million, for projects in local communities, over its history dating back almost three and a half decades. The Exeter Lions Club has been co-partner, with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the watershed community, on the Auction, since 1991. Net profits are split 50-50 between the Conservation Foundation and the Exeter Lions Club.
Even though the Auction is an online event this year, there is still a need to raise the funds for the programs supported by this charitable event. You can continue to support projects in your community. Find out more at conservationdinner.com and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation’s Conservation Auction web page.
The annual charitable event supports needed community projects including parks and trails and conservation areas, outdoor recreation events and experiences for youth and families, conservation education, job and education opportunities for youth, and other needed projects in local watershed communities.
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) is selling 50-50 raffle draw tickets, leading up to April 3, 2025. The 50-50 tickets are in support of needed local community projects that could not happen otherwise.
There are 1,000 tickets printed and the cash prize could be as high as $5,000 if all tickets are sold. Tickets are $10 each.
Chris Keller, of the Exeter Lions Club, is Chair of the Conservation Auction Committee. “Buying a ticket for the 50-50 draw is a great way to show support for your community and to earn a chance to win a large cash prize,” he said.
Although the 35th Conservation Auction is going online, for 2025 (May 12-15), the 50-50 draw will go ahead on Thursday, April 3, 2024 at South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. The draw takes place at 8 p.m.
The Conservation Auction is a community fundraiser of the Conservation Foundation, the Exeter Lions Club, and the watershed community.
50-50 draw tickets are available now.
People can buy their ticket from any Exeter Lions Club or Conservation Dinner Committee member.
Tickets are also available at Brigitte’s Fashions & Thomas H Fine Menswear.
They can also buy their tickets at Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (at the office at 71108 Morrison Line, east of Exeter, just south of Highway 83) or by phone at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
Tickets must be sold in Ontario (Lottery Licence #M835225).
Net proceeds from the draw are donated to local community projects.
The Conservation Auction Committee has set the dates for the 35th Conservation Auction, which is online for 2025. The virtual auction begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025 and continues until Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 8 p.m.
The Conservation Auction Committee will be hosting its virtual auction on the Zeffy.com platform. A link, to the Zeffy auction site, will be shared in the coming weeks on the Online Auction web page.
Colourful Mystery Quilt one of many unique items donated to 35th Conservation Dinner
Former Conservation Dinner Committee Chair Janet Clarke incorporates fascinating donated fabric of unknown origin into quilt donated to auction on April 3, 2025
One of the highlights for guests of the Conservation Dinner is seeing and bidding on beautiful, one-of-a-kind items that are donated to this popular charitable community event.
Janet Clarke is a former Conservation Dinner Committee Chair, community volunteer, and member of the Board of Directors of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF). She is also a donor to the auction. This year, she is donating a colourful and eye-catching piece she calls the Mystery Quilt. The quilt is a mystery, she said, because it incorporates some donated fabric that arrived at her home as a mysterious donation with an unknown history.
Janet and her friends sew quilts and capes and fidget aprons and other items for local charitable causes. She doesn’t know the source of the colourful fabric pieces that arrived at her door but she had an inspiration to use them in her design for the Mystery Quilt she is donating this year. She calls the fabric “funky,” and “neat.”
Some of the squares were sewn and she pieced the others in her design which she then had machine-quilted. The fact she doesn’t know who dropped off the fabric or where it came from gives the donation a fun and special quality. “I was happy to get it,” she said. It was enjoyable seeing the visually impactful piece come together. “It was my happy summer project,” she said. “It made me happy doing it.”
The 35th Conservation Dinner takes place on Thursday, April 3, 2025. This gala dinner and auction has raised more than $1.39 million, for projects in local communities, over its history dating back three and a half decades. The event features a live auction, silent auction, general raffles, special raffles, appetizers and a delicious Dinner. It’s a chance for fun and fellowship and to support needed projects, in local communities, such as outdoor recreation, trails and parks and conservation areas, habitat for local species, and programs for local youth.
The Mystery Quilt is one of the unique items at the charity auction this year. Other items include dining, sports, arts, crafts, travel experiences, and much, much more. To buy tickets to the Conservation Dinner, or to donate, phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or email info@abca.ca or visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation office east of Exeter at 71108 Morrison Line (south of Highway 83).
The Conservation Dinner takes place at South Huron Recreation Centre at 94 Victoria Street East in Exeter. Tickets are $100 each and patrons receive a charitable gift receipt, for income tax purposes, for a portion of that amount. Find out more at conservationdinner.com and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation’s Conservation Dinner web page.
Exeter Lions Club has been co-partner, with ABCF and the watershed community, on the Dinner, since 1991. Net profits are split 50-50 between community conservation projects of the Conservation Foundation and community conservation projects of the Exeter Lions Club.
Conservation Dinner Committee names Mike Brintnell as Feature Artist for 35th Conservation Dinner in 2025
The Conservation Dinner Committee has selected Mike Brintnell, of Mike’s Signs in Exeter, as the Feature Artist for the 35th Conservation Dinner and Auction on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Mike Brintnell is a renowned sign-making craftsman and a life-long resident of Exeter. “I’m very proud to be the feature artist this year,” he said. He is working on a feature piece of sign art that will incorporate photos of historic Exeter businesses from the past as well as photos of current businesses in the town.
Chris Keller, of Exeter Lions Club, is Conservation Dinner Committee Chair.
“On behalf of the 2025 Conservation Dinner Committee, I am honoured to announce Mike Brintnell, of Mike’s Signs, is the featured artist for the 35th Conservation Dinner,” he said. “Mike’s work is truly an art form and he is renowned for the quality and excellence of the signs he envisions and crafts,” the Chair said. “We are excited that Mike’s tribute to local businesses, past and present, will be the feature art for this year’s auction.”
Mike is a long-time supporter of his community and has donated many times to the Dinner over many years. Some of his popular auction items have been the focus of bidding battles. Those auction highlights have included an historical sign for Exeter’s 150th anniversary; and a much sought-after creation, by the sign maker and sports enthusiast, about the history of hockey’s Exeter Hawks.
Mike has lived on the same street (even the same side of the street!) in Exeter for almost his entire life. Even back in secondary school, Mike had an interest in art and a love for making signs. As a young person, he even made signs at the request of classmates. “I knew I always wanted to do art in some way,” he said. The future sign artist wasn’t sure art college and a career in visual arts was a fit for him so he studied marketing at Fanshawe College. While there, he took a sign writing course. “I learned that that’s what I wanted to do,” he said.
From 1983 to 1991, the future business owner worked in the sign business for a London company. After that, he decided to go out on his own. He learned he needed a vendor’s permit to have a business. So, he went to the public office to get one. There, Mike was asked “What’s the name of your business?” Not having a name at that time, he thought quickly on his feet and said, ‘Mike’s Signs.’ The rest, as they say, is history.
Mike bought his current house and sign-making location in 1993 and he has been creating sign art there ever since.
The sign-making business has changed quite a bit over the years. In the early years, Mike painted everything by hand. Now, he has new technology at his fingertips to design and complete his creations. In 1995 he got his first vinyl plotter. In 2019, he upgraded to a 54-inch digital printer that can cut vinyl and also print. Although the days of hand-painting signs are almost gone, he says every so often “someone comes in with a project that I hand-paint.”
A box of thank you cards is a lasting reminder from some of the clients who have appreciated his craftsmanship in designing and creating signs for them. The Exeter sign artist takes great pride in his work and he says he’s proud when he sees his lasting legacy of signs in nearby communities and even some places farther away. “We were camping up north in Ontario and I saw a sign and said to my wife, ‘I made that sign.’”
Mike and his wife Patty have three children: Travis, Connor and Abbey. The Conservation Dinner supports community projects, such as recreation and youth projects and trails, that are near to their hearts as outdoor nature enthusiasts. “My wife and I quite often walk the South Huron Trail,” Mike said. “We have for years.”
This year’s feature artist is known far and wide for his artistic excellence in sign design and creation but he says he enjoys working in the town he has always called home. “I love a small town, I love the community,” he said.
Anyone who has photos of Exeter businesses they would like to share with Mike, for possible inclusion in the feature art design, they can email him at mikessigns@hay.net
The 35th Conservation Dinner community fundraiser and auction takes place on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at South Huron Recreation Centre at 94 Victoria Street East in Exeter.
Sign artist Mike Brintnell, of Mike’s Signs in Exeter, is creating a tribute to past and present businesses with sign art as auction Feature Art for 35th Conservation Dinner on April 3, 2025
Feature artist is 26th in Conservation Dinner history
Mike Brintnell, of Mike’s Signs, is the 26th person to be named a feature artist. The Conservation Dinner has named him feature artist for the 35th Conservation Dinner on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Featured artists in the auction’s 35-year history have worked in a wide range of media from visual arts to other media including floral art, woodwork; quilting; culinary arts; wine-making; sculpture (wood, metal and ice); and now sign-making.
Previous feature artists include: Stephanie Denomme, owner of Blush and Blossom Floral (2024); Dark Horse Estate Winery Inc. (2023); Diane Carson, The Electric Quilter, Exeter (2022); wood craftsman David Loerchner, D. L. Creations, Bayfield (2018); Iceculture Inc. of Hensall (2017); Jim Dawe, Murals in Metal (2016); culinary feature artist Chef James Eddington (2015); Tammy Laye (2014; 1990-1995); Madeleine Roske (2013); Martin Zimmer (2012); Catherine Weber (2011); Fran Roelands (2010); Bill Nieuwland (2009); David Bannister (2008); Tim Clark (2007; 1997); Teresa Marie (2006); Rae Ann Ladouceur (2005); Elisabeth Tonner-Keats (2004); Randy Jones (2003); carver Fred Negrijn (2002); Ken Jackson (2001); Kent Wilkens (2000); Barry Richman (1999); Flora Doerr (1998); and Peter Etril Snyder (1996).
The Conservation Dinner is a dinner, auction and fundraiser that has raised more than $1.39 million for needed community projects over almost 35 years.
The 2025 Conservation Dinner is the 35th event since 1990. The Exeter Lions Club has been co-partner, with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the watershed community, on the Dinner, since 1991. Net profits are split 50-50 between community conservation projects of the Conservation Foundation and community conservation projects of the Exeter Lions Club.
Tickets are available now for the Conservation Dinner. To buy tickets to the Conservation Dinner, or to donate, phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or email info@abca.ca or visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation office east of Exeter at 71108 Morrison Line (just south of Highway 83). Tickets are $100 each and patrons receive a charitable gift receipt, for income tax purposes, for a portion of that amount.
People can buy their tickets from a Conservation Dinner Committee member or from the Ausable Bayfield Conservation office. People can pay for their tickets by cheque, cash or credit card. They can even pay by e-Transfer. (If you are buying your ticket by e-Transfer, be sure to use the dinner@abca.ca email address and include your mailing address and/or email address in the e-Transfer message box and specify if the payment is for a Conservation Dinner ticket or if the payment is a donation to the Dinner).
The auction and dinner supports projects such as a family-friendly fishing derby, accessible nature trails in Bayfield, Clinton, Parkhill, Lucan, Arkona, Exeter, and Varna; opportunities for students to experience outdoor nature education; a $1,000 student environmental grant for students in local communities; a summer job at Ausable Bayfield Conservation for a senior secondary school student; turtle monitoring and events in Port Franks and Ailsa Craig; aquatic habitat studies in Old Ausable Channel, Grand Bend; nature day camps; Owl Prowl; and parks and conservation areas.
The annual event features live and silent auctions of art and distinctive items such as travel packages and sports and entertainment memorabilia. The Dinner has special raffles, general raffles, appetizers, fun and fellowship, and a wonderful meal.
Conservation Dinner Committee thanks Jayden’s Mechanical for support of community; encourages other businesses and individuals to consider buying tickets for this community fundraiser on April 3, 2025
The Conservation Dinner Committee thanks Jayden’s Mechanical Ltd. for being the first business in 2025 to buy tickets for a table of ten for the community fundraising event on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Chris Keller, of Exeter Lions Club, is Chair of the Conservation Dinner Committee.
“On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank Jayden’s Mechanical for their support of the community and for buying the first table of ten for the Conservation Dinner,” he said. “Their generosity will help to realize many important local recreation, education, youth and nature projects that could not happen otherwise. I hope their example will inspire other businesses and individuals to get their tickets as well for this enjoyable and worthwhile event in support of needed community projects.”
Chad Insley is General Manager of Jayden’s Mechanical Ltd. He says the company is pleased to support the Conservation Dinner which benefits local projects such as the family-friendly fishing derby, youth programs, educational projects to protect turtles and aquatic species in the area, and parks and trails and conservation areas.
“We look forward to the Conservation Dinner in April and we are pleased to support this community fundraising event of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and Exeter Lions Club,” he said. “We encourage other businesses and residents to also get their tickets for an event that is lots of fun and which benefits important projects in our area.”
This gala dinner and auction has raised more than $1.39 million, for projects in local communities, over its history dating back almost three and a half decades.
The annual charitable event features live and silent auctions of art and other distinctive items including travel packages and sports and entertainment memorabilia. The Dinner also includes special raffles, general raffles, appetizers, fun and fellowship, and a wonderful meal. The Conservation Dinner takes place at South Huron Recreation Centre at 94 Victoria Street East in Exeter.
Tickets are $100 each and patrons receive a charitable gift receipt, for income tax purposes, for a portion of that amount. To buy tickets to the Conservation Dinner, or to donate, phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or email info@abca.ca or visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation office east of Exeter at 71108 Morrison Line (just south of Highway 83).
Find out more at conservationdinner.com and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation’s Conservation Dinner web page.
PHOTO INFORMATION: JAYDEN’S MECHANICAL LTD. BUYS FIRST TABLE OF TICKETS FOR CONSERVATION DINNER 2025 – Jayden’s Mechanical is supporting local community projects, of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) and Exeter Lions Club, by being the first business to purchase a table of 10 tickets for the Conservation Dinner and Auction on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Shown in photo, from left to right, are Chris Keller, of Exeter Lions Club, Chair of the Conservation Dinner Committee; Chad Insley, General Manager of Jayden’s Mechanical; Keisha Stacey, Controller with Jayden’s; and Dave Frayne, Conservation Foundation Chair. The Conservation Dinner Committee would like to thank Jayden’s Mechanical for their leadership and community support and the committee encourages other businesses to consider purchase of a table of tickets in support of the community. The Conservation Dinner raises funds for local recreation, youth and nature projects. These include a family-friendly fishing derby; parks and trails and conservation areas; job experiences and grants for youth; and aquatic species education and habitat. The Conservation Dinner in Exeter is happening for the 35th time in 2025. To buy tickets to the Conservation Dinner, as an individual or a business, or to donate, speak with a Lions Club or Conservation Dinner Committee member or phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610. This gala dinner and auction has raised more than $1.39 million, for projects in local communities, over its history dating back almost three and a half decades. The Conservation Dinner takes place at South Huron Recreation Centre at 94 Victoria Street East in Exeter. The annual charitable event features live and silent auctions of art and other distinctive items including travel packages and sports and entertainment memorabilia. The Dinner also includes special raffles, general raffles, appetizers, fun and fellowship, and a wonderful meal. Find out more at conservationdinner.com
