By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The boys are back with the sixth rendition of the Friends of Chatham gathering.
To be held at Chatham’s KBD Club March 8, the event is again welcoming Chathamites from far and wide to come and celebrate life with old and new friends.
The gathering is also a fundraiser for Chatham-Kent Hospice.
“We’re hoping for another successful year,” said Mike Dorner, who along with Howie Morton and Ray O’Phee, put the idea together. The three old friends kept running into each at funerals and celebrations of life of other friends and acquaintances. They decided they’d like to meet up at least once a year on a positive note, and the Friends of Chatham gathering was born.
It’s still going strong, and Dorner said the trio wants to “keep on doing it as long as we can.”
There’s no cover charge for the gathering. Instead, organizers collect donations for the Chatham-Kent Hospice, and have raised $50,000 for the organization to date.
While providing a space for friendship, the event also serves to commemorate those who have passed on. A moment of silence will be held at 4 p.m. to honour those who have passed away.
The event begins at noon and will run until the party’s over. Along with a cash bar and food from the KBD kitchen, there will be raffle prizes and music with at least five live bands performing.
