CHATHAM, ONTARIO – The Festival of Giving was held on October 17, 2020 in a new way, “Until we can FOG again”. The annual fundraiser, which raises important funds needed for the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent, collected $177,500 Saturday night while be held virtually for the first time because of the COVD-19 pandemic.

The Centre’s biggest fundraisier typically attracts more than 1,000 guests with a different theme each year. This year, the event sold out of the 700 tickets and invited guests to stay in their own bubble and watch the virtual event from the comfort of their own home. Each guest received a party bag with vouchers for food, drinks and a chance to win a 2020 Mazda2GX1 from Chatham Mazda. It was won by Dave Matteis.

The evening was hosted by Co-Chairs Chris McLeod and Tim Regan, with Greg Hetherington as auctioneer for the Live auction during the event.

The virtual show included cameos from more than a dozen celebrities, including David Hasselhoff, Doug Gilmour and Fergie Jenkins, as well as recorded performances by local band Face 4 Radio.

“Raising this amount is absolutely incredible, especially during these times,” Foundation President Mike Genge said. “We are grateful for the community support.”