The financial support is pouring in for The Final Push fundraising event for the Foundation of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
Recently, the Dresden Rotary Club hosted the Lite Bite Final Push Community Kickoff at the Royal Canadian Legion in Dresden, raising $22,385 for the CKHA Diagnostic Imaging Equipment Renewal Campaign.
More than 150 guests attended May’s Lite Bite event, featuring The Final Push organizers Dave Depencier and Dan Van Moorsel riding their training bikes throughout the evening.
Guests enjoyed a barbequed dinner and the opportunity to learn more about The Final Push bike ride, taking place May 23 to 28.
The evening was organized by the Dresden Rotary Club as a way to increase awareness and kick-off the Final Push’s fundraising efforts. The Club also pledged to donate all donations made during the Lite Bite, up to $5,000.
“We had hoped that collectively the crowd would donate enough that we could fulfill our $5,000 match pledge,” said Stuart Kiar, Secretary, Dresden Rotary Club. “Raising over $22,000 in one night speaks to the importance of the equipment being supported through The Final Push, and how important it is to have this available in our own backyard.”
In addition to a $6,000 Dresden Rotary Club donation, CK Ready Mix/Dresden Ready Mix presented a $5,000 donation to the Final Push. The Dresden Catherine McVean IODE Chapter also presented $1,500 in support of the event.
“This has been a fabulous kickoff to the month of The Final Push event, and the final month of our fundraising campaign,” said Mary Lou Crowley, Executive Director, Foundation of CKHA. “Dave and Dan are very passionate about raising the funds needed to bring a new CT Scan to Chatham-Kent, and this event provided an exciting boost to their fundraising efforts.”
As well, McNaughton’s Home Hardware Building Centre pledged $15,000 towards The Final Push.
“Hospitals with state of the art equipment are the cornerstone to any community and no one knows this more than people and businesses involved with the Home Builder’s Associations,” said Depencier. “McNaughton’s Home Hardware believes in the importance of small-town health care, and the needs of a reliable hospital to serve those small towns.”
Individuals are encouraged to pledge Dave and Dan by donating online or through corporate sponsorship by contacting Dave Depencier directly. The Final Push target fundraising goal is $100,000.
