The Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s annual Garden Party is going into its tenth year and is spicing things up this time around with a Cinco de Mayo theme.
The event, which is used as a fundraiser for the group, takes place at the Blackpool Hall on May 5 and will offer a prize for the best-themed outfit.
“It’s one of many fundraisers we do each year, along with a 50/50 draw, the Vavenby Thrift Store and the Hospital Gift Shop, and so this our Garden Party we have on the first Saturday of May every year,” said Carol Pastorek, president of the Clearwater Hospital Auxiliary.
“This year our theme is Cinco de Mayo because of the day it falls on; it’s a lunch, we have live and silent auctions of donated items from local businesses and individuals, plus there’s a raffle as well as a fashion show from the Vavenby Thrift Store, door prizes and costume prizes—it’s a fun afternoon.”
Last year’s theme was Royal Wedding, while the year before was Canada 150, and the previous year’s theme was Country Picnic.
The Garden Party helps the group raise money for equipment on the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital’s wish list, which has about $100,000 worth of items.
Pastorek added the Auxiliary has nearly $60,000 to contribute, including $10,000 that was donated by the local Sikh community from proceeds of the sale of its Guru Tegh Sikh Temple.
Though she couldn’t say specifically what items were being purchased from the hospital’s wish list, Pastorek noted two of them being looked at are worth more than $20,000 a piece.
“I can give some ideas of what a few of them are; one is a negative pressure wound vac machine, which is worth $22,000, and an IV Fluid Warmer worth $24,000. These are some of the high ticket items that we’re looking at.”
Pastorek added each year the event sees roughly 80 people attend to help with the cause, and while there is no target amount of funds the group is looking to raise, the more people who contribute, the better.
“This is your community; this is your hospital and everything we do is for your hospital,” she said.
“This equipment is going to benefit you, or one of your family members, or perhaps benefit your neighbour—our fundraising is all for this community.”
Tickets for the event are $25 and can be picked up at the Hospital Gift Corner or from an Auxiliary member.
The doors open at 1 p.m. with lunch starting at 2 p.m.