CORNWALL, Ontario – The first ever Sing Our Hearts Out for Hospice was set to see locals of all ages belt out tunes in support of Carefor Hospice Cornwall.
Naomi Lamarche and her mother Claudette Wanzer were excited to host the event at the Agora Catholic Centre on Saturday, May 25. The pair have supported Maison Baldwin House, the purchase of bullying benches at local schools and St. John’s Ambulance in the past through Girls Night Out events.
“We were asked to extend ourselves out to the public performing because normally it’s our Girls Night Out singers, and I have gentlemen that also sing with our group now,” explained Lamarche. “The public reached out to see if they can do some singing…so we’ve made it kid friendly and have some lip syncing.”
Lamarche wanted to make everything inclusive to children because she believes everyone can be affected by Hospice when loved ones utilize the facility. She also hopes to inspire younger children to host their own volunteer ventures in the future. Children could attend the event until 7 p.m. for $5. A full day pass into the event was $20.
“A lot of people have approached us to do karaoke, so we opened it up and it is open to kids too so they can have some fun,” said Lamarche. “We were really touched by Hospice and we wanted to thank them for the great care they gave to my step-brother.”
A 50/50 draw held at 7 p.m. allows participants from the Twoonie for a Tune karaoke to have a chance to win half the pot. For $2, attendees of the event could participate in the Twoonie for a Tune fundraiser and get to sing a song while entering the 50/50 draw.
Starting at 8 p.m. until midnight, local band Radio Nova will be providing live music. At 10 p.m. a buffet dinner is set to be served.
“We have 19 vendors here today too, they’ve been at a lot of my events; it’s not about the sales, it’s about being out there in the community and it means a lot,” said Lamarche, thanking the support of her vendors.
The vendors also donated items to the event that could be won through a silent auction. Hospice has also used air miles that have been donated to them to contribute a few items to the silent auction including a lava lamp, crock pot and a $250 children’s kitchen set.
“Third party events such as this are essential to us meeting our annual fundraising goal,” said Sandy Collette, Fundraising Coordinator with Carefor Hospice Cornwall. “We appreciate the effort that Naomi and her mother have put into organizing this day long event and wish them much success.”
