5K nets $56K for Peace Arch Hospital
The HSBC Securities Great Pumpkin Run/Walk raised over $56,000 (net) over the past weekend.
WHITE ROCK, B.C. Oct 24, 2011 – Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation held its 5th Annual HSBC Securities Great Pumpkin Run/Walk in the sunshine on Sunday morning, and the event raised $56,000 (net). Over 100 volunteers, including many local high school students, helped the event run smoothly for the more than 700 runners and walkers who participated on the 5K and 1K race routes. Event emcee Mark Madryga noted that “I have been proud to be a part of this event for four years, and this event was the biggest and the best so far.” In comparison, last year’s event raised $30,000 and attracted approximately 400 participants.
The fundraising total was made possible in part through the enthusiasm of individual and team fundraisers who collected pledges from their friends, family and colleagues. Top individual fundraiser was Norm Rutherford, who raised over $5,000. Top teams were Commit to be Fit which raised close to $10,000, and Team Reid’s Pharmasave, led by Phillip Rantucci, which raised $3,700. Funds raised from this year’s event will support the purchase of life-saving and life-enhancing medical equipment for Peace Arch Hospital.
“This event is evidence of the incredible spirit of generosity in our community” noted Jackie Smith, Executive Director of Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation, “Volunteers put in countless hours to prepare and support the event. And our event participants and sponsors pulled through to help us achieve an incredible fundraising result.
A special pledge came in this year from 89-year-old Theo Miller, long time area resident and supporter of Peace Arch Hospital. Her $5,000 pledge is the largest single gift to this year’s event. Miller is not writing a cheque for the amount, instead she is signing over stock to the Foundation. It’s a simple transaction that will be handled by her financial planner. “This is our first gift of stock in support of the run/walk,” said Smith. “It’s great to see people thinking ‘out of the box’ for ways to enhance local health care. I extend big thank you to Mrs. Miller.”
The Foundation would like to thank the event sponsors, including title sponsor HSBC Securities, Cold-FX, Re-Max, Choices Markets, KN&V Chartered Accountants, Mardon Insurance, Media Sponsors Peace Arch News and Surrey Leader and Community Partners, City of White Rock, Gemini Visuals, Innovative Fitness, Jacob Bros Construction, Morgan Creek Golf and Peninsula Runners.
Donations are still coming in to support the event. If you would like to support the HSBC Securities Great Pumpkin Run/Walk, please visit www.greatpumpkinrunwalk.com or call 604.535.4520.
Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation raises funds and awareness to enhance health and wellness in our community.
Media Contact
Jackie Smith
Executive Director
Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation
PHONE: 604.535.4520
EMAIL: jmsmith@peacearchhospital.com
WEB: www.peacearchhospital.com
