Welcome to East Kent Hot Rods for Hospice
2024
The East Kent Hot Rods for Hospice’s move to the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus proved a wise choice.
The feedback has been very positive after the second annual fundraiser for the Chatham-Kent Hospice, held in late September. “People said it was a lot easier to get around on the even ground, especially if they were on mobility devices or our older guests with walkers and canes,” said Vollans.
More than 300 vehicles were on display in the car and truck show, and vendors inside the Rudy Brown building reported good sales days. On a hot day, patrons and visitors welcomed the air conditioning.
Guests enjoyed entertainment by the Southwind Buoys and the GTOs, several hands-on activities, food and beverages, and the return of the Soap Box Derby to Ridgetown.
The event’s primary purpose was to raise funds for the Chatham-Kent Hospice. This year, $29,229.69 was collected – a little less than last year’s tally – raising the two-year total to $61,779.56.
The Highgate Lions Club donated 100 percent of the proceeds – $3,001.53 – from its food truck sales. Donna and Garth Vollans of Pain Court won the 50/50 draw, as their winner’s share was $9,062.50.
Ingrid McTavish won the quilt made and donated by Crystal McTavish, while Kevin Pelley won a custom-built, hand-made guitar by Larry Morden.
With the limited parking at the college grounds, visitors used a free shuttle provided by Blenheim Bus Lines to and from downtown.
The Ridge Runners extend their sincere gratitude to the community for their tremendous support of the Hot Rods for Hospice.
“We have an incredible community,” stated Vollans.
“We want to thank all of our volunteers; we couldn’t make this happen without you,” Vollans said. “And thank you to the amazing team that supported us at the College.”
2023
The first East Kent Hot Rods for Hospice Fall Festival was a huge success, raising $32,549.87 for Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. The single-day event, held Saturday, September 23 at the Ridgetown Fairgrounds, is estimated to have welcomed thousands of people from across Chatham-Kent and as far away as Canmore AB.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a car, motorcycle and tractor show with more than 380 vehicles registered. The day also featured a number of interactive children’s activities, live music from Barker and Wicks and Black River Remedy, an engine blow competition, as well as the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Ridgetown District Agricultural Society’s brand new pavilion located at the fairgrounds.
“We’re overwhelmed by the support of the community,” says Emily Vollans, head of the planning committee and a member of Ridge Runners East Kent. “We’ve been planning for months and people really showed up to support not only the event, but Hospice as well. Everyone on the planning committee knows how fortunate we
are to have Hospice in our community and the turnout today shows that everyone is Chatham-Kent feels the same way.”
