Campaign comes alive with Sound of Music

Abby Taylor was thrilled to meet Heather Menzies Urich

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital came alive with The Sound of Music showing at the Regent Theatre and the foundation is $5,000 closer to its campaign goal because of it.

Approximately 250 guests, some arriving in costume, attended the special 50th anniversary screening. Local musician Peter Rea, lead singer and guitarist with the Reasons, opened the show with a humbling rendition of Eidelweiss that saw the crowd join in. Rea mentioned Eidelweiss is one of his favourite songs.

PECMH nurses Delores Chalmers and Ann Lafave came dressed for the occasion. Several other attendees came dressed as characters from the movie.

Heather Menzies Urich, who portrayed Louisa von Trapp in the 1965 classic answered audience questions during the intermission and took time to speak to patrons and pose for photographs after the show.

The Canadian-born actress is also known for her role with Julie Andrews in the epic drama Hawaii as well as Jessica 6 in the TV series Logan’s Run.

“It was a wonderfully heartwarming evening and the showing was both poignant and beautiful,” said Hazel Lloyst, director of development for the Hospital Foundation.

“Support of the classic movie just never goes away,” said Menzies Urich. “People love it even after 50 years.”

“The opportunity to meet Heather and her family and share in their enthusiasm and support for our County hospital is truly gratifying and, it’s the first time I have ever had the opportunity to hug a movie star,” quipped Lloyst, who acted as emcee for the evening.

An anonymous donor at PECMH as well as Joanne Coker with BMO Nesbitt Burns and the Waring House stepped up to underwrite the costs associated with bringing the show to the County.

Of the $350,000 Life Saver goal, more than $205,000 is needed to replace equipment for the hospital’s day surgery program. The purchase of colonoscopes and gastroscopes for the detection of colorectal cancer and other life-threatening gastrointestinal (GI) conditions will benefit the Endoscopy Unit, which operates five days a week. Currently, the scopes at PECMH are slated for replacement.

Up next on the Foundation’s calendar of events is the Six Barrels for Six Chefs event hosted by Huff Estates Winery Friday, July 10. For more information, www.six4six.ca

To make a donation or for more information on the Life Saver Campaign, contact the Foundation at 613-476-1008 ext. 4425, drop by the hospital or donate securely online at www.pecmhf.ca