The first-ever Concert for Care struck a chord for local healthcare, bringing music fans together at Casino Rama Resort’s Entertainment Centre for an unforgettable evening in support of Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH).
Presented by Casino Rama Resort, Concert for Care featured one of Canada’s most celebrated rock bands, The Trews, with special guest Bleeker. The hometown connection made the evening even more meaningful, as Orillia’s own Bleeker took the stage in front of a crowd that included many friends, family members, and local supporters.
The high-energy evening culminated with The Trews, who connected with fans throughout their performance, even venturing into the crowd for an up close and personal interaction.
More importantly, the inaugural event brought the community together around care, raising more than $225,000 and counting towards building a healthier, more integrated future for healthcare in the community.
Newly appointed OSMH President and CEO Mary Silverthorn and OSMH Foundation President and CEO Ian Mishkel took the stage together during the evening to thank concertgoers for supporting Soldiers’ Memorial. Their remarks recognized Concert for Care as both a celebration of music, community, and the work underway that supports the hospital today and the planning of the new regional hospital for tomorrow.
Concert for Care also shone a spotlight on one of the simplest ways people can impact healthcare close to home: monthly giving.
Monthly donations provide predictable support that allows OSMH to plan ahead, respond to current needs, and invest in the care patients and families depend on. Even a modest amount each month adds up greatly over time.
And right now, new monthly donors can multiply their giving.
Electronic Distributors International (EDI), a sponsor of Concert for Care, has generously committed $1,000 for every new monthly donor, up to a total of $100,000. The opportunity continues beyond Concert for Care until the full $100,000 commitment has been leveraged.
“It takes a community to care for a community, and we all have a different role to play,” said Norman Yorke, Managing Partner, EDI Inc. “Every new donor strengthens OSMH’s ability to provide quality care. If our contribution inspires more people to become monthly donors, together, our collective efforts can make a meaningful difference.”
The OSMH Foundation is encouraging the community to take advantage of EDI’s extraordinary generosity while the matching funds remain available. Become a monthly donor HERE.
For music fans there is still another way to support OSMH following the concert.
Bleeker has donated a Squier Stratocaster played by the band’s Tim Kehoe, an Orillia local, in the music video for “Something on You.” The guitar is being offered through an online auction, in support of the OSMH Foundation, with bidding open until October 30.
Bid on the Bleeker guitar: OSMHF Concert for Care Bleeker Guitar Auction
Concert for Care also featured a special limited-time 50/50 draw held in conjunction with the event. Ticket sales closed during the concert, with the winner announced at intermission, as planned in the evening’s program.
The winning ticket belonged to Jennifer Walter of Orillia.
The OSMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to everyone who purchased a ticket, donated, volunteered, sponsored the event or helped make the inaugural Concert for Care possible.
“What made Concert for Care so special was seeing our community come together for a great night while supporting something that matters to us all,” said Ian Mishkel, President and CEO of the OSMH Foundation. “Every ticket, every donation and every new monthly donor strengthens care for patients and families across our region. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made our first Concert for Care such a success.”
Special thanks to presenting sponsor Casino Rama Resort, which also hosted the event, and to event sponsors Electronic Distributors International (EDI), Assante Wealth Management, EcoPoly / Polyethics Industries Inc., Rock 95 and Walker Wealth Management.
The music may have stopped for the night, but the opportunity to make a difference continues. By becoming a monthly donor, community members can provide reliable support for healthcare today while building a stronger healthcare future for patients, families and generations to come.
To become a monthly donor visit Monthly Giving – Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation
