A recent fundraiser in Cobourg that brought together 270 guests for fun, fashion, and the opportunity to bid on luxury handbags, is supporting hospice care and services in Northumberland County.
Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre Foundation announced on Thursday (May 1) that its popular “Handbags for Hospice” event, held on April 10, netted $121,000 for Community Care Northumberland’s Ed’s House.
In addition to bidding on the handbags, there were mystery bags, a “purse of possibilities,” and a golden ticket draw for attendees of the event. The fundraiser featured a live auction, and guests also had the opportunity to snap a photo with a real Birkin bag, “making the night even more memorable,” according to Community Care Northumberland (CCN).
“The success of this year’s Handbags for Hospice event is a testament to the incredible support we have received from our community,” Jan Rosamond and Pam Trumper, Handbags for Hospice committee co-chairs, shared in a statement.
“It’s heartwarming to see everyone come together for such a meaningful cause. We are immensely proud of what we have accomplished together as a committee, and we look forward to continuing our work to support hospice care in Northumberland.”
The committee is giving a shout-out to its sponsors, with special recognition to signature sponsor Tony Pulla and pearl sponsor Jacqueline Pennington of Re/Max Hallmark.
The committee also thanked the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre for hosting the event, and to Wendy Ito, who served as the event’s “compassionate speaker,” sharing a personal story about her father’s end-of-life care at Ed’s House.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from our sponsors, volunteers, and community,” said CCN CEO Trish Baird.
“Many thanks also to the Handbags for Hospice committee who were able to deliver a fun, entertaining, and memorable evening for all.”
The money raised will help support clients in Northumberland County with health system navigation, volunteer in-home visiting, supportive care and grief and bereavement support, along with 24/7 end-of-life care provided at Ed’s House at no cost to individuals and their families.
This year, the “Give a Gift from the Heart Campaign” helped the foundation reach its fundraising goal. Local ‘Physicians with Heart’ pledged $15,000 in matching donations, which helped raise $31,915.
This money will go directly to providing care for families at Ed’s House, ensuring that those in need receive the care they deserve during life’s most difficult moments, CCN noted.
Chelsea Rankin, communications specialist for CCN and Ed’s House, earlier told kawarthaNOW about her aspirations for the event.
“The best possible outcome for this year’s Handbags for Hospice event would be to raise vital funds for Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre while also shining a light on the services we offer.”
The event was successful on both fronts.
For more information about Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre, visit edshouse.northumberlandhospice.ca.
