It was an afternoon to remember as Grand Taste marked 12 years of culinary excellence supporting the Groves Hospital Foundation.
The event, presented by the Rotary Club of Centre Wellington, featured grand chefs offering grand tastes at the Grand River Raceway on April 23.
Emcee Barb Evoy said “Centre Wellington Rotary Club has donated over $161,000 to Groves hospital since 2005.”
On behalf of the club, Evoy thanked patrons and vendors “of this amazing event.”
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott added his own appreciation for the Centre Wellington Rotary, noting “all the work they do in the community – not just this event.”
Arnott said there was a large group of people working very hard to put on the Grand Taste event.
“We are known in our community for our hospitality, for our tourism and the many restaurants … and everything here is absolutely delicious,” said Arnott.
“We are all excited about the new hospital … and the great health care it provides for our community.”
Groves hospital president and CEO Steven Street provided an update on the new hospital project.
He said over the last few months officials have worked to resolve outstanding issues, and this week a recommendation is being sent regarding the preferred proponent to undertake the work.
“We are very close to introducing the design,” Street said.
“And the plan is on June 20, at the hospital annual general meeting, we are going to publicize the details of the building and provide an understanding of new or expanded services to be offered to the community.”
He added, “There will be a shovel in the ground this summer.”
Street said community support and events such as Grand Taste, and the support of Arnott, are some the reasons the government has granted a new hospital.
Groves foundation executive director Lori Arsenault said “we are truly lucky to have an event like this support the foundation annually. We really appreciate it.”
She noted there is a $20-million goal to fundraise for the new hospital, as “A portion of the hospital build (cost) does need to come from the community.”
She added, “I am happy to say we are at $14.1-million thanks to this people in this room and all the generous donors in the community.”
