On Nov. 5, the Sid William Theatre opened its doors at noon to welcome families, children, supporters and performers alike to raise funds for the 48th Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) Telethon.
At the start of the day, the telethon organizers had no idea it would become the highest-grossing event in the organization’s history.
“It went beyond our expectations, it was absolutely incredible,” said CVCDA executive director Cindy Xavier. “We couldn’t be more elated!”
According to Pam Crowe, the telethon chair, this year’s success is partly attributed to the abundant artistic talent present in the region.
“The Valley has just so many a great entertainer,” added Crowe. “We are very particular about keeping our entertainers local. That’s always really important to us. This is very much a grassroots local production.”
For eight hours, more than 30 local artists, from dancers to musicians, united their talent for a good cause and entertained a cheerful crowd.
Among them was Canadian children’s entertainer and four-time Juno Award winner Fred Penner, who captivated an enthusiastic audience with his classics, including The Cat Came Back, as they sang along.
Shortly before Penner’s performance, Xavier announced a donation of $50,000, marking the largest contribution in the telethon’s history.
“This was a donation from Linda Pugh,” said Crowe. “Her family have been long-time supporters of the telethon. In fact, her mother was an original board member and they came down every year to the telephone and donated. It was sort of (going) full circle to receive that amazing legacy from her, we weren’t expecting it.”
Shortly before 6 p.m., the Baynes Sound Lions Club members rolled their wheelbarrow onto the stage, concluding a 32-kilometre journey along Highway 19A. They had started in Fanny Bay at 8:30 a.m., collecting funds from businesses and the public along the route.
“Everything (went well),” said Baynes Sound Lions Club president Cliff Helps. “Our thanks go out to the community, the businesses and all the people that donate money to support us and support the telethon. It all goes towards a good cause.”
In total, the group gathered $11,262 this year.
“I just want to say thank you so much to the Baynes Sounds Lions,” said Xavier. “Every year they bring it. Their heart and the work that they put into raising funds each year for the CVCDA is unparalleled. We love you. Thank you.”
She further emphasized that this event’s success is in large part due to the essential contributions of numerous dedicated staff and volunteers.
“We have… members that have been with the telethon for as long as it has been running, which is incredible,” said Xavier. “They bring 48 years of experience and passion.
“We also have our staff and board of directors who volunteer their time to help support (the event).”
Additionally, Crowe highlighted the crucial technical support provided by the venue and other partners of the initiative.
“We can’t say enough about the Sid Williams theatre staff, as well as Brad Burton, Gordon Darby, and Rogers without whom we couldn’t do this.”
As the night came to a close, numerous prizes were given to donors who participated in a wide variety of activities throughout the telethon.
The 50-50 draw was won by Glen Christensen, who took home $2,522.
This year’s online auction raised a total of $14,115 and the in-house raffle raised a total of $1,030.
Helen Burns won the raffle grand prize of a trip for two anywhere WestJet flies, and Allison McDonald won the Tofino getaway.
A unanimous agreement among the telethon’s organizers is that the event’s success is primarily attributed to the supportive local community.
“One thing that we’re very proud of every year is that our community steps up and they step up (big) to come in and support the kids,” said CVCDA president Diane Daigle. “We are speechless every year. It just blows your mind.
“People give whatever they can, whether it be big or small, and it makes a huge difference to the work we do. We don’t expect a higher total than the previous year so we are so humbled to receive whatever the community can support. It’s very difficult to express the amount of gratitude that we have.”
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