East River benefit brings in $6,500 for Children’s Care
March 25, 2009
Each year, the employees of East River Electric Power Cooperative and members of the Madison Elks lodge come together to host a mountain oyster and ham feed to benefit the Children’s Care Hospital and School. Now in its 45th year, the annual event took place on Thursday, March 12 at Nicky’s Restaurant in Madison.
Despite concerns that the recent economic downturn might negatively impact the fundraiser, the benefit netted $6,500 in proceeds, an increase of more than $1,100 from last year.
354 meals were served, and over 100 area businesses donated items for the raffle and silent auction. At a selling price of $420, the biggest money maker of the night was an original painting by Madison resident April Cundy. April and her parents, Linda and Randy, were the poster family for the event in 2007.
“What a testament to the generosity of the Madison community that even in these tough economic times, our businesses and residents rallied together to support this important charitable cause,” said East River employee and event coordinator Maria Pedersen.
The donation to Children’s Care will be invested within their foundation, which is used to support areas of need such as recreation, camp fees, technology and in-service training.
Pat Schaefer, vice president of community relations for Children’s Care Hospital and School, commended East River Electric and the Madison Elks Lodge for their long-standing support of the organization.
Terry and Lori Schultz of Wentworth, whose daughter Makenna, receives services from Children’s Care, attended the benefit. Lori credits Makenna’s success as a mainstreamed kindergartner at Chester Elementary to the intervention programs Children’s Care has been able to offer them.
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45 Years of Support: East River Electric employees and Madison Elks members present a check to Children’s Care Hospital and School at the 45th annual Mountain Oyster and Ham Feed. Pictured (back) are Jim Edwards, Lori Schultz, Terry Schultz, Doug O’Connell, Dan Rindels (front) Mallory Schultz, Makenna Schultz, Pat Schaefer and Maria Pedersen. |
