About 500 volunteers and community partners attended the annual Hogs for Hospice Volunteer Appreciation Night at the Roma Club in Leamington on Tuesday, October 21.
The annual August Civic Holiday weekend Hogs for Hospice event is fully run by volunteers, and the army of volunteers required to make the weekend run smoothly performs each year like a well-oiled machine.
Those in attendance enjoyed a meal of chicken, sausage, pasta and salad, courtesy of the Roma Club, who takes on this endeavour each year, donating the meal as a commitment to their involvement in the event.
The Hogs for Hospice Board of Directors were visible and accessible, shaking hands and exchanging hugs with volunteers as they arrived for the function.
Sean Beaul took to the microphone after dinner service wrapped up and talked about how much the board appreciates every single person in the room.
“Tonight isn’t about engines or events,” he said. “It’s about you — our volunteers.”
Beaul said that the event takes volunteers away from their families and personal time, and that they appreciate every one of them.
“Behind every ride, every fundraiser, every life touched, there’s a team of volunteers that don’t go home until everything is done,” he said. “You are the heartbeat of this event.”
Beaul also thanked the community partners and sponsors, who pour their money and human resources into the event every year.
A heartfelt letter from one of those community partners, Cindy Brenner of Brenner’s Beauties, touched on how much the event means to her. She was unable to attend because she is fighting a cancer battle herself.
That was followed with two special videos on the volunteers and the highlights of the weekend.
The Bad Examples Motorcycle Club also hit the stage with a $3,100 donation to Hogs for Hospice.
Then it was time to reveal the amount raised at this year’s rally.
When the banner was unfurled, the board revealed that $1,065,782.30 had been raised.
Volunteers in attendance awaited the big announcement on funds raised.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
