​Cruise Night raises $75,000 for Kincardine Hospital capital campaign

Cruise Night in downtown Kincardine, Friday evening, was a huge success for the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation, raising $75,000 for the Kincardine Hospital capital campaign.

Despite the threat of rain, and a brief shower midway through the event, Queen Street was filled with vintage vehicles and motorcycles, and a great crowd of people.

Joining in the fun, was Dennis Gage of the “My Classic Car” television show, who was grand marshall of the event. He checked out the many vehicles, stopped and talked with people, and posed for numerous selfies.

Gage was thrilled to be in Kincardine with his friend, Steve Plunkett of London.

“Steve and I have been friends for years and I have often been at his car show in London,” said Gage. “He invited me to come to Kincardine and here I am. This is a nice little town.”

Welcoming everyone to Cruise Night, were Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig, Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and MPP Lisa Thompson.

Organizers said there were about 250 cars and 20 motorbikes, which was a lot less than expected, but a respectable showing, given the rainy weather. Several car clubs cancelled due to heavy rainfall inland.

The “Giving Cruise Night,” organized by hospital capital campaign co-chairpersons Graham Mahood and Kathryn Freimanis and campaign manager Mark Womack, raised $75,000!

Of that amount, $25,000 was donated by individuals, matched by $25,000 from capital campaign members; plus, an additional matching donation of $25,000 from John Satosek and his wife, Diane, of Canadian Tire Kincardine.

The hospital foundation was overwhelmed by the support of the community and visitors toward the capital campaign which will see the expansion of the local hospital and the inclusion of an MRI machine.

The foundation also saw the largest 50/50 draw ever at Cruise Night, with a total of $9,600 raised. The winner then donated back $1,800 to bring the foundation’s amount to $6,600!

Providing entertainment at Cruise Night, was the Rock With Your Docs sensation, “Local Anesthesia.”