At it’s finest; the Chatham-Kent community is one that rallies together, puts differences aside and makes this a better place to live.
Saturday night was one of its finest moments.
More than 1,100 people turned out to participate in the 14th annual Festival of Giving, and in the process raised more than a quarter of a million dollars to help children and aid local food banks.
Chatham Mazda from Chatham Voice on Vimeo.
The event has become Chatham-Kent’s largest single fundraiser and is proof that the heart of the community is in the right place.
The Festival continues to outdo itself in terms of money raised and also in the amount of fun had by its participants. It has become a right of passage, a signal that spring is on its way and a celebration of the idea that doing good things is good for the soul.
Although it’s based in Chatham, guests come from all parts of the municipality, as do sponsors.
There is no corner of Chatham-Kent overlooked in the endeavour.
The event is the culmination of eight months of what was described as a labour of love by one of the organizers.
Love or not, it is a lot of work to turn a large, utilitarian hall into a rock concert, a wild west setting or a corner of South America.
The Festival of Giving is perhaps one of the most fitting titles for any event; especially in view of the fact through the festival Chatham-Kent residents have given more than $2.5 million over the years.
It’s something other communities have tried to replicate but it remains an event unique to our Chatham-Kent.
To the organizers, the volunteers and the community at large, a hearty thank you.
In the vernacular of this year’s Wild Wild West theme – “It makes a feller proud.”
