Severe weather may have postponed this year’s Harrow Fair Memorial Pie Auction, but it couldn’t dampen the community’s generosity. Held on Friday, September 4, 2026, the rescheduled event raised an incredible $108,100 to support children and youth with disabilities and special needs, and their families, through the John McGivney Children’s Centre.
Behind that remarkable total were the many people who made the evening possible. Following the postponement, Harrow Fair staff and volunteers worked to reorganize the event, bringing together pie makers, bidders and supporters for another memorable auction.
“The amount of work that goes into making the Pie Auction happen every year is remarkable, and this year the Harrow Fair team and volunteers faced the added challenge of having to reorganize the event following the severe weather,” said Jennifer Jovanovski, JMCC CEO. “We are so thankful to the Stannard family, the Harrow Fair, the Colchester South and Harrow Agricultural Society, the volunteers, pie makers, bidders and everyone who came together to make the evening such an incredible success.”
A family tradition with a lasting impact
The auction began nearly three decades ago when the Stannard family held the first event in memory of their son Todd. Born with spina bifida, Todd received support through Red Cross programs, a predecessor of JMCC.
That first auction raised $350. Today, Mark and Lisa Stannard and their sons, Philip and Owen, continue to lead the tradition, which has now raised $709,322 for JMCC since its inception.
What began as a family’s tribute has grown into a community tradition that continues to make a meaningful difference for local children and families.
“Seeing this community come together year after year is truly special,” added Jovanovski. “To raise $108,100 in one evening is extraordinary, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who played a part.”
Funds raised will support JMCC programs and services across Windsor and Essex County.
To the Stannard family and everyone who baked, bid, volunteered, organized or supported this year’s auction: thank you for keeping this special tradition going and for your continued generosity toward the children and families we serve.