by Anne Marie Hammer
On Saturday, May 29th, more than 300 happy music fans learned that curling isn’t the only thing that “rocks” at the Markdale Golf and Curling Club. The occasion was FACE 2 FACE, a tribute to the music of Billy Joel and Elton John. Audience members were treated to a dynamic, high-energy concert and an evening of socializing and lots of community spirit!
FACE 2 FACE was presented by Centre Grey Health Services Foundation, with all proceeds from the event going to support the Equipment Fund. The Foundation’s current target is to raise more than $40,000 for two new ECG machines and related digital technology. As pointed out at the concert “none of us hope that we will ever need the two new ECG machines which are the latest goal for our hospital but we all realize that when it comes to our family and neighbours we want to do whatever it takes to make sure that they are taken care of in the best way possible”. The amount raised by this event is expected to be in the order of $5,000 – an excellent kickoff to this year’s fundraising efforts.
Not only did the concert raise much-needed funds for our local hospital, it also was a great opportunity to build new community partnerships. The Foundation was helped enormously by local sponsors who provided both financial support and related events that helped make the evening a success. These included Donabies, Munshaw’s Bistro and The Bakery in Flesherton, Steven’s BBQ Restaurant in Markdale, the Village Inn in Kimberley, and the newly-established Flying Chestnut in Eugenia. Support and draw prizes were also provided by Molson Coors. (Lucky winners were Dick Kavanagh, David Armstrong, and Sandy Fraser. Congratulations!)
These businesses, along with help from the Markdale Rotary Club, the Markdale Golf and Curling Club, and a small army of volunteers who took care of everything from ticket sales to set-up of the concert area, demonstrated community participation at its best. This great event would not have happened without the help of everyone involved.
The success of this event has the Foundation thinking about a regular concert series. In keeping with the musical theme, “stay tuned” for future announcements.
