Two weeks.
Eleven events.
A goal of $500,000.
It sounds crazy, right?
Not when you have people such as Mike Genge, Lisa Caron, Kevin Owen, Erin Genge and the power of this community involved.
The Foundation of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent has set aside 14 days in October, from Oct. 7-20, to run 11 fundraisers in spots across the municipality in an effort to raise half a million dollars.
Some are big-ticket events, such as a $200 white glove dinner at McDonald’s, or a $125 British High Tea at Tim Hortons.
Others are less-expensive options, such as $25 Karaoke for the Kids at Sons of Kent, or $20 Horror Movie Trivia Night at Level Up Arcade.
In short, there are a lot of events, with a great deal of different price points.
That equates to something for everyone.
It’s a brilliant move. Kudos to the aforementioned Mike Genge, foundation president and CEO, and company for coming up with this, and a big thank you to the businesses and organizations who have partnered to host the diverse events.
The $500,000 is the final chunk in the local fundraising jigsaw puzzle that represents the community-raised portion of funds needed to build and furnish the new treatment centre that is under construction on McNaughton Avenue in Chatham. To date, after years of effort, the Butterfly Build campaign reached $9.5 million of its $10-million target.
Genge and company hope the 11 events, among other efforts, will push them past the finish line.
Now, it’s up to us, residents of Chatham-Kent, to help push them over the top.
Pick an event you can attend and do so.
And if you can’t, buy a T-shirt or even just a $2 butterfly to help propel the foundation over its targeted goal.
After all, one out of every five children in Chatham-Kent make use of services at the Children’s Treatment at some point in time in their young lives. In other words, someone you know has either used the centre, or had their child make use of it.
The provincial government is paying to build the new treatment centre. The local funds will be utilized to purchase new equipment. Please help wherever you can.
