Mayor Nancy Peckford and members of Council and the Chamber of Commerce pose along with photos of late hospital champions Harry Pratt and Gerald Tallman.

The North Grenville Chamber of Commerce and Fat Les’s Chip Stand teamed up on June 23 to host the 7th Annual Harry Pratt Barbecue fundraiser in support of the Kemptville District Hospital. The annual event is named after Harry Pratt, a devoted supporter of the hospital who passed away in 2015. This year’s barbecue took place at the Rush Truck Centre in Kemptville. New this year is that the event now also commemorates another champion of the hospital – Gerald “Gerry” Tallman.

“The 7th Annual Harry Pratt Barbecue was a huge success,” said Chamber Ex- ecutive Director Terri-Lyn McEvoy. “The weather was a little damp, but that didn’t stop the supporters.”

Terri-Lyn had many words of appreciation for those who helped to make the event a success. “Thanks to Les Winters, owner of Fat Les’s Chip Stand who donated 100% of all the food and drinks to help us give a fabulous donation to the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation,” she said. “Thanks to the folks at the Rush Truck Centre at the Kemptville location for allowing us once again to use their yard to hold our event and providing the space needed for the drive through.”

This year’s event raised a total of $4261.05 for the hospital, almost duplicating last year’s record-setting amount of $4410. The Kemptville District Hospital Foundation is very grateful for the donation. The most striking thing about such a fundraising event is the generosity of those donating their time and money to make it happen.

Les Winters, owner of the Fat Les’s brand and a member of the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce, was happy to help. “I joined the Chamber not only to help them, but also because Harry was a great man, a man who helped the community as well as the hospital,” said Les. “I want to be someone who is recognized by the community as someone who gives back like Harry did. I think it’s a great way for me to give back to my community. Now that they’re doing it for both Harry and Gerry, I think it’s a great way for Kemptville to show their support for two great Kemptville men who have passed, and also a great way to raise money for the hospital.”

While Les donated the food for the event, his staff contributed a great deal as well. “My staff donate their time on their own. I didn’t have to ask them… they also recognize that it’s a great thing,” said Les. “And I donate my time and food for the great cause.”

With this year’s event now wrapped up, the results could not be more pleasing. Terri-Lyn added, “We are so proud of this community and the generosity of every person who came out

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here