Silver anniversaries are occasions for great celebration and
remembrance within families. For the
Stewart Memorial Hospital family, the 25th Annual Valentine’s Dance on
Saturday, February 18 will be every bit as fun and special.
For the first few years, the dances were organised by the
Stewart Memorial Hospital Board. By the
mid-90s, the SMH Auxiliary had taken over the coordination of this major
fundraiser. “It is
through the great generosity of local businesses donating door prizes, and
individuals providing support, that we are able to hold this event each year,”
said Doreen Wooder, SMH Auxiliary President.
“We have always served a beautiful lunch half way through the evening,
and people from all the 22 communities provide the delicious food.”
As in the past twenty-four years, the dance will be held in
the Ellerslie Legion. Live music will
once again be provided by Old Habits.
Auxiliary members are also selling raffle tickets that will
be drawn that night. The four donated
prizes are: two nights for two with breakfasts and dinners at the Rodd Mill River Resort, a mahogany infant’s rocking cradle from Community Connections, a
leather arm chair from HMS Office Supplies, and an afghan from Bea Ballum.
President Wooder noted that local residents are big
supporters of the dance, but people also come from Summerside and O’Leary as well. “They tell us they look
forward to coming to Ellerslie each year because of the great atmosphere, and
we really appreciate their support of our hospital.”
And that support has been substantial: over the past
twenty-four years, the dances have raised nearly $48,000 for Stewart Memorial
Hospital. Auxiliary members hope that the
$50,000 mark will be surpassed this year.
Dance tickets are $12 each. You can reserve them by calling Doreen
at 831-2975 or there will also be tickets at the door.
Carolyn Millar (left) and Ruth MacLennan take a break from wrapping door prizes
for the 2012 Stewart Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Valentine's Dance.
