Submitted to St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation
Do you want to have a positive influence on local healthcare while hanging out with friends and family?
Consider entering a team into Rockathon 2023. It will be hosted by St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation and a dedicated Rockathon committee. The Foundation raises funds for its three healthcare partners, including Valley Manor, Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care and St. Francis Memorial Hospital. Above: Members of the Rockathon committee gather with residents of the Valley Manor to officially launch Rockathon 2023. Pictured seated from left: Edna Laginski, Doreen Genrick, Donnie Palubeskie and Gloria Marrujo. Standing, from left: Rockathon Committee members Marlene Shulist, Sue Sheridan, Julie Callon, Jill Vermaire, Lisa Yantha, manor resident Charles Hartwick, and committee members Sharon Florent and Foundation Communications and Fundraising Officer Christine Hudder. Photo submitted.
The premise of the Rockathon is simple: participants will collect pledges from family and friends and commit to rocking in a rocking chair for the day. It builds upon the success of the inaugural fundraiser held in 2022 at the Barry’s Bay Royal Canadian Legion.
“Proceeds from the Rockathon will help support the needs of local healthcare, including the purchase of much-needed medical equipment at the Valley Manor long term care home,” explained the Foundation’s Communications and Fundraising Officer, Christine Hudder.
This year, if the weather cooperates, Rockathon 2023 will be held at the Valley Manor Courtyard on Friday, June 16th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be live entertainment provided by local musicians, light refreshments and great prizes. Everyone is encouraged to drop by and enjoy the festivities that day. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Barry’s Bay Legion.
Participants may join as individuals or a team of up to six members. This way, each participant on a team can rock for an hour each.
The Foundation has launched an online crowdfunding webpage, allowing teams the option to fundraise online and with traditional pledge forms.
Sign up by June 9
“It’s easy for teams to set up their own pledge website, and allows friends and family from out of town to contribute to your pledges,” Hudder said.
If you are interested in raising funds for this incredible cause, please ensure you register with the Foundation first. You can do this by calling 613-756-3045 ext. 217; emailing office@sfvhfoundation.com; or coming to the office in person at 7 St. Francis Memorial Drive (hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Pledge forms are due by June 9, 2023.
