It’s a double-whammy of community fundraising efforts at the Coast Chilliwack Hotel this week to benefit Chilliwack General Hospital.
“As usual all funds raised in the community, stay in the community,” said Vicki Raw, spokesperson for the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation.
It all starts with a magical event to welcome the holiday season on the evening of Dec. 1 with a Coast Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m.
“We’re expecting a bigger crowd this time around since it was the first time we ever held the event last year,” said Raw. “We’ve had more lead time.”
The tree-lighting event is followed bright and early the next morning by the Make It Happen For Health breakfast, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Dec. 2 at the Coast Chilliwack Hotel.
Last year, the combined efforts of both events raised more than $4,000 for the foundation.
“We’re hoping to do even better this year,” said Raw.
The funds collected will be directed to areas of greatest need at CGH.
“We are thrilled with the partnership we have forged with the Coast with these events,” said Raw, which handles the fundraising for CGH. “They are so supportive of the hospital and the foundation.”
For the tree-lighting event, patrons purchase bulbs for $5 each, and then watch as the tree lights up with local generosity. There will be hot beverages, treats, as well as a visit from Santa, live choir music and a violin troupe to enjoy.
Then it’s a delicious hot breakfast the next day for a minimum donation of $10, or a Starbucks drive-through for $5, for those who don’t have time for stop for breakfast. There will be raffle prizes, entertainment and a few speakers.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
