Ragtime pianist and raconteur John Arpin sent a crowd of over 350 home happy from a July 9th benefit Concert for the Centre Grey Hospital Campaign organized by the Markdale Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Arpin – a seasonal resident of the area and a friend of campaign volunteer Doug Henry of Markdale – told his audience at Annesley United Church in Markdale that when Henry told him about the hospital campaign he was delighted to donate his services. He praised the community’s response to the campaign, and noted that like many in attendance, his own family had benefited from top quality care at Centre Grey Hospital.

Mr. Arpin’s program featured a variety of selections from the history of ragtime, jazz, blues and the popular song. His extended medleys were interspersed with informative and often amusing anecdotes about some of the great figures in the American musical tradition. The evening closed with an improptu sing-along, led by Mr. Arpin at the piano.

This highly successful event raised over $7,000 towards the hospital campaign. And organizers from the Chamber were quick to express their thanks to Mr. Arpin and Mr. Henry, as well as to the Centre Grey Health Services Foundation and the Hospital Auxiliary for their support.

Doug Henry presents pianist John Arpin with a print by Markdale area photographer David Chapman as a thank you for Arpin’s July 9th benefit concert for the Centre Grey Hospital Campaign. The idea for the concert was conceived by Arpin and Henry, and the event was organized by the Markdale Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Centre Grey Health Services Foundation. The evening raised over $7,000 for the hospital campaign.