It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.

It’s hard to imagine a time before Autumn Indulgence, the crown jewel in Grand Bend’s social calendar. But there was such a time.

As founding Co-Chair Roger Wallis explains, in the early days the Rotary Club of Grand Bend had tried several fundraising ideas with only modest success. Then in 2004 he learned about an event in Sarnia called “Men Can Cook.” It involved men preparing their favorite recipes at home and bringing them to an event venue where ticket holders sampled the delicious results.

The Rotary Club of Grand Bend began to plan a similar event, to be held in the unique setting of Huron Country Playhouse. But then, disaster! The public health department announced that food prepared at home could no longer be served publicly. The Club pivoted, arranging to cook steak and lobster at the Playhouse, with veggies and desserts provided by local restaurants. Autumn Indulgence was born.

Although much has changed over the past 19 years, Autumn Indulgence is still a volunteer-driven community gathering with great food in a fun setting, amazing décor and costumes, wonderful auction items, and very generous attendees.