Historical Moment for Starlite Campaign ~ Fundraising Goal Realized

Submitted by EKFH on 06-01-2011

Cranbrook, BC…   Three years ago the idea of lighting stars on the roof line of the East Kootenay Regional Hospital as a fundraiser for the East Kootenay Foundation for Health seemed just that, an idea.   However, with the support of several businesses in donating materials, the creative talents and volunteer work of some amazing star makers and a star sponsorship from East Kootenay Community Credit Union; EKFH’s Starlite Campaign for Excellence in Health Care is now the foundation’s premier annual fundraising campaign. 

  In year one the Starlite Campaign lit 10 stars and raised $55,000; year two lit 12 stars and raised just over $63,000 and now in year three the fundraising goal of 17 stars and $85,000 has been realized thanks to the generosity of many and the latest donation from Rocky Mountain Diesel & Autobody Shop.   “Rocky Mountain Diesel is proud to be a supporter of East Kootenay Foundation for Health and its Starlite Campaign.   It is rewarding to thank our customers for their business, our staff for the dedication by donating to a cause that helps seniors living in all areas of the East Kootenay where we conduct our business.  We also appreciate working with EKFH knowing that they will see our donation do the work it’s intended to,” explains Chris Thom, owner.    Since 2005 Rocky Mountain Diesel has donated over $30,000 to health care programs and facilities benefitting seniors in the East Kootenay. This year their goal is to donate $200 from every body shop booking to EKFH’s Starlite Campaign. Not only is their $5,000 goal surpassed but Rocky Mountain Diesel & Autobody Shop has officially made history in the Starlite Campaign with a donation of $6,500, lighting star #16 combined with donations from the Friends of the late Mike Newell and star #17 as a standalone gift to seniors programs and facilities in the region. The lighting of the last two stars at the hospital brings the campaign to its $85,000 fundraising goal with four weeks remaining.   EKFH Chair Linda Berukoff shares, “I have always considered the East Kootenays a wonderful part of the province and I consider myself lucky to have lived, worked, raised my family and retired here.  Today marks a historical landmark for the Foundation as it realizes its fundraising goal of $85,000 for our annual Starlite campaign (with almost a month left to go before the campaign closes)!  I am honoured to live amongst people who continually step up to help those less fortunate – be it by individual donations, legacy gifts, participation by service clubs or corporate sponsorships – it all comes together to ensure that all aspects of health care in this part of the province is the best it can be.  For this, and on behalf of the Board of Directors of East Kootenay Foundation for Health, I thank each and every one of you.”   The 17 brilliant blue stars at the regional hospital are in thanks to:   East Kootenay Community Credit Union #1, Kate Fox #2, Abreast in the Rockies Dragon Boat Team #3, Matt Fraser & the Kootenay ICE Fans #4, Cranes of Hope a Legacy of Rod Osiowy # 5 & 6, Combination Star ~ Cranes of Hope & Public Donations #7), Kimberley Health Care Auxiliary #8, Public Donations #9, Anonymous Gift in honour of Dr. Gertjan Simons #10, Public   Donations #11, , Anonymous Gift in support of Creston Valley Hospital #12, 13, 14, 15, The Friends of Mike Newell & Rocky Mountain Diesel & Autobody Shop #16 and Rocky Mountain Diesel & Autobody Shop #17.

The 3rd annual Starlite Campaign for Excellence in Health continues through to the January 31, 2011 with a focus on seniors’ facilities and programs in the region.