Roaring ’20s fundraiser the bees knees for County’s hospital and foodbank

At the presentations, from left, are: PECMH Foundation Executive Director Shannon Coull, Back the Build campaign cabinet chairperson Nancy Parks, Wellington Rotary Treasurer Bill Pennell, Wellington Rotary President Yvonne Buys, and Wellington Rotarian Trudy Brown.

Cool cats at this year’s Rotary Club of Wellington Roaring 20s dinner, dance and auction cut a rug to raise $13,877 in net proceeds – with $6,938.65 directed to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation in support of the new hospital build. An equal amount was contributed to the Wellington Storehouse Foodbank.

Those in attendance carried a torch for Chef Michael Hoy’s buffet dinner and thought the live music by The Reasons, was the cat’s meow while the spiffy continued to bid on auction prizes.

“Wellington Rotary’s enduring commitment to our hospital continues to shape the quality of care available to the people of Prince Edward County,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Their support strengthens health care today while helping us build the hospital our community deserves for the future. We are deeply grateful to the Rotarians and to everyone who participated in this year’s event.”

“The generosity of our members, volunteers and supporters reflects the heart of our community,” said Yvonne Buys, president of the Rotary Club of Wellington. “We are proud to continue our tradition of supporting PECMHF and helping strengthen health care for residents and visitors of Prince Edward County.”

For more than 14 years, the club has been one of PECMH Foundation’s most dedicated philanthropic partners – through community-powered fundraising initiatives ranging from maple syrup sales and bottle depot proceeds to annual dinners, dances and auctions – contributing more than $600,000 toward health care.

The funds have helped purchase essential medical equipment for the current hospital, including an ECG machine, a ventilator, and an automated endoscope reprocessor for sterilizing scoping equipment. The club’s efforts have also played a significant role in advancing the new hospital project.

“In recognition of this remarkable support, the waiting area of the future Emergency Department will be dedicated in honour of the Rotary Club of Wellington and the donors who contributed to its fundraising efforts,” said Coull.

PECMHF’s Back the Build campaign is raising the final three of $30 million needed to help build and equip the new hospital – on schedule to open in 2027. For more information and to lend your support, visit www.pecmhf.ca/back-the-build