Press Release
On Saturday night, more than 180 people came to the Memorial Sports Centre for an evening of fun and games to help support the Riverside Foundation for Health Care.
Along with raising a lot of fun, “Oktoberfest” also raised a lot of funds—netting more than $17,000 for district health care.
In addition, Gillons’ Insurance Brokers presented a gift of $5,000 to the foundation for the Rainycrest beautification project.
Todd and Laurie Moxham of “Cater 2 U” served up a delicious German meal, including bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato salad, beer cheddar soup, and an assortment of cheeses.
A decadent German chocolate and dessert bar, complete with a chocolate fountain, kept the crowd coming back for more.
The carnival-like atmosphere included games like the Wheel of Food & Fortune, where people tested their luck to win prizes of homemade baking.
The beer cap toss, ring around the rosé, and 50/50 poker showdown also kept everyone entertained.
As well, the “Buckets o’ Baskets” table featured lots of great prizes to be won while more than 20 silent auction items were up for bid.
The program included a tribute to Joan Allison, who retired this year from the board of directors after serving as a charter member as well as chair of the special events committee for 12 years.
Board chair Deane Cunningham summed up Allison’s involvement by saying, “You put the fun in fundraising and the special in special events. . . .”
Cunningham also recognized Maria Sanders, who is leaving the special events committee after 12 years of service.
Special recognition also was given to Tom Bruyere, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.
“Tom walked hundreds of miles and raised over $100,000 for dialysis,” Cunningham noted.
He added the memorial walk held last month in honour of Bruyere raised $23,000.
Members of the special events committee then performed a tribute song to Allison to the tune of “High Hopes,” thanking her for her outstanding leadership.
The games ended with the “Labatt Stein-Holding Contest,” which saw about 50 participants vie for the honour of stein-holding champ by holding a large glass stein full of beer for the longest time.
Winners included Lindsay Strickland (female under 50), Bev Thomson (female 50+), Duane Cridland (male 50+), and Jon Evans (male under 50) won for the second year in a row.
Prizes were given for each category and all participants were entered to win the grand prize–a Budweiser stainless steel cooler/cart, which was won by Steve Barnard.
Foundation director Teresa Hazel was appreciative of the support received again this year.
“Even in tough economic times, people continue to give so generously to health care both financially and personally,” she noted.
“I can’t say enough about how fortunate we are in this community to have such giving, caring people.
“Thank you, everyone–you’re all awesome!” Hazel enthused.
