Since opening its doors 18 months ago, the new Hospice Wellington facility here has hosted 260 patients and received almost 5,000 visits from their family members and friends.
The building annually costs about $1 million to operate and Hospice Wellington officials rely heavily on the help of local residents, organizations and businesses to raise that money.
Their biggest fundraiser is the annual dinner and dance, which this year is set for Sept. 9 and will incorporate a fall fair theme.
“We’re trying to do something really fun,” said event coordinator Sian Matwey.
Highlights at this year’s event, which Matwey hopes will raise a record $100,000, will include games, entertainment, live and silent auctions and, new this year, eight Guelph firefighters who will fill out dance cards for any women purchasing the $5 cards.
Matwey said she is excited about bringing back the dance card idea from a bygone era and also about the exciting auction prizes available to be won.
She specifically mentioned several “handy girl” prizes, including pink tools, items signed by home improvement expert Mike Holmes and the donation of a day’s worth of services by local carpenter Charley Nelson, who has 20 years experience.
There are also “mystery box” prizes available, as well as a Wayne Gretzky package, including an autographed photo and Edmonton Oilers jersey and an autographed photo of Walter Gretzky.
Erin McInnis, community services supervisor with Hospice Wellington, said all the money raised at the event helps fund services and programs offered at the new Scottsdale Drive facility in Guelph.
The event may be formal in dress, but she too stressed the idea is really to just have fun.
“We all come together to have a good time and enjoy and embrace the hospice community,” said McInnis.
The event takes place on Sept. 9 at the Delta Hotel in Guelph, starting at 6pm. Tickets are $125 each – groups can get 10 for the price of nine – and are available at www.hospicewellington.org or by calling 519-836-3921.
