Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots sets record
Event rasied more than $3.8 million for new Prince County Hospital equipment
SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. – An annual Prince County Hospital fundraiser has broken its record for the third year in a row.
As the night closed on the Sept. 7 Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots, the event had raised nearly $3.9 million.
“It’s the people of the community that come together, and everybody chips in,” said Warren Ellis, who has organized the event since its inception in 2009. “Some buy tickets, some give items up for auction and other people buy their auction items. On top of that, we have the heavy hitters who come and make pledges.”
The cause is a personal one to Ellis; he had spent time in the hospital following a car accident and credits the facility with saving his life.
“The hospital is so integral to this community,” he said. “We need it, and we gotta raise money to get the latest equipment.”
RAISING MONEY
Around 1,300 people attended the event at the Credit Union Place, which featured a dinner, auction and entertainment.
The night closed with a draw for a 50-50 worth $4,085 – won by Justin Arsenault. Every attendee was also put in for a draw for a new Jeep, which was won by Gail Lecky.
Funds raised during the event go toward new equipment at the hospital. Cardiac ultrasound equipment, a chemistry analyzer and a few items for ambulatory care were among the items in need this year.
“Warren actually sells more tickets than we can host,” said Gordon Macfarlane, president of the volunteer board of directors at PCH. “We see a lot of the same faces every year, which is great, but there’s always new people, too. It’s just a tremendous community event, raising money for a great cause.”
Robert and Karen Duffy of Duffy Construction were among those who made donations during the event, contributing $500,000 to the cause.
“The hospital means a lot to our family, it means a lot to the community,” said Robert.
“My father was a great contributor to the Prince County Hospital. Whatever I can contribute to the hospital, I will.”
The Rotary Club of Summerside has also given to the event for the last several years. Previously, it had given $15,000, but this year, was able to make a $115,000 donation.
“With the excess funds that we’ve collected over the last few years, we wanted to do a bit of a catch-up,” said Les Maclean, club president. “It’s a really great opportunity. I’m proud of the work the Rotarians do.”