Ode to Joy captures picture-perfect donation for new hospital

Pictured at ANDARA Gallery with artist-owners Tara Wilkinson and Andrew Csafordi are Briar Boyce, senior development officer with the PECMH Foundation; and Back the Build campaign co-chairs Nancy Parks and Dennis Darby. – Brendan Kane photo

The spirit of Christmas was at an all time high at ANDARA Gallery in Bloomfield.

As part of their ‘Ode to Joy’ art show and sale, Tara Wilkinson and Andrew Csafordi, artist-owners of the gallery, decorated their century-old barn with a 15-foot Christmas tree from Denmar Farms and welcomed guests to visit for a COVID-safe, socially-distanced holiday photo.

Guests brought their own cameras and staff took photographs while wearing PPE in exchange for a donation to the PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign. The fundraiser ran from Nov. 12 to Dec. 23.

“Hundreds of individuals, couples, families and groups of friends came to the barn for a photo – raising $5,000 for the campaign to build a new hospital in Prince Edward County,” said Wilkinson.

A highlight of the fundraiser, she notes, saw Dr. Nadia Knarr and Paul Bastiaanssen, from Noble Beast Farms, bring four alpacas to the gallery photo shoots Dec. 5-6. On that weekend, $2,000 of the total raised was received.

“We were happy to provide a joyful experience for our community that brought people together safely to create happy memories while raising money for the new hospital campaign,” said Wilkinson. “Our original thought was maybe we would be able to raise $1,000 as this was our first year doing this. We blew well past our original goal thanks to the hundreds of people who came to have a safe, festive photo taken in our beautiful century old barn. Many happy holiday memories were made here this season.”

Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign co-chair thanked the couple, and everyone who supported the fundraiser.

“Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in the care you and your family will receive in our new hospital,” said Parks. We are blessed to live in this generous community which is ensuring our new hospital will be built and equipped with the best medical equipment possible for years to come.”

ANDARA Gallery is a fine art gallery showcasing works in photography and encaustic paintings year-round in the heart of Prince Edward County. Wilkinson and Csafordi hope to host the holiday photo shoot again next year.

To make a gift to the County’s hospital, call 613-476-1008 ext. 4502 or visit www.pecmhf.ca . Eligible donations received before midnight on Thursday, Dec. 31 will receive a 2020 tax receipt.