Backyard Summer Social Surpasses $40,000 Mark for Third Straight Year
From left, Five Counties Board of Directors chair Julie Davis and Petes mascot, Roger, were among the guests to help kick off summer at the third annual Backyard Summer Social. The June 22 event organized by Five Counties Children’s Centre raised nearly $42,000 to support local kids’ treatment services.
The risk of wet weather didn’t dampen enthusiasm – or the results – for the signature gala fundraising event organized by Five Counties Children’s Centre.
The Centre’s Backyard Summer Social held June 22 in Peterborough surpassed the $40,000 mark for the third straight year, raising $41,775 to support kids’ treatment service.
All monies raised through the Backyard Summer Social go to the Centre’s Building Abilities for Life campaign, which directly benefits children in the community to receive high-demand treatment services. This includes providing priority speech language therapy and occupational therapy to children and youth who need them, reducing wait times for these life-changing services.
Event organizers are grateful for the support from attendees, volunteers, donors, supporters, and area businesses – especially seven local Canadian Tire stores that stepped up as the event’s lead sponsor. There’s also a shoutout being given to weather forecasters for being slightly wrong in their predictions for June 22.
“The day was supposed to be a washout, but the rain held off just long enough on June twenty-second for us to enjoy a fabulous afternoon outdoors. The Backyard Summer Social was filled with fun, games, music, laughter, good conversation, and memorable moments – all while supporting our kids,” says Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties. “We know the earlier a child can access important treatment programs for development, communication or physical needs, the better their outcome. That’s why fundraising events like this one allow us to see more kids and fill the gaps that can’t always be covered by government funding.”
The Backyard Summer Social is billed as an event for people age 19+ that allows adults to be kids again – at least for the afternoon. This year, attendees were able to enjoy music, food, entertainment, live auction, door prizes and fun activities including axe throwing, jousting, circus performing, petting zoo, and old-fashioned picnic games.
