The long-running charity luncheon, organized by the Childs family, appears to have bounced back after organizers warned that participation was “way down” for the first time in more than five decades.
In a post shared Tuesday, organizer Mark Childs said the 51st Annual Salvation Army Luncheon looks to have exceeded last year’s total, raising an estimated $13,425. He said the number will be verified Wednesday morning, but the early tally brings the event’s 51-year total to $405,384.
“I hope to be here long enough to see us reach $500,000.00,” Childs said.
The Black Goose had urged residents to step up in the days leading to the event, noting that advance numbers were significantly lower than expected. The luncheon raises money for both the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul, with 75 per cent of proceeds supporting the Salvation Army and the remainder helping St. Vincent de Paul restock its pantry.
Guests receive a roast beef dinner with all the fixings in exchange for a donation — a tradition the restaurant says has helped sustain the fundraiser’s success for more than half a century.
Childs thanked volunteers, suppliers, media partners and community members for helping push this year’s total over the top. “Many thanks to Ron Ameloot, Gert McClure, Dee Heath, our staff, Brian Wadsworth of Kent Sanitation, GFS, Sysco, Morton’s Wholesale, Maple City Bakery and last, but certainly not least, 99.1,” he said.
He also shared gratitude on behalf of the Childs family, noting the event’s origins in 1969. “A huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts, from Josh, Jake, Mark, Deb, Sam, Ben, Olivia and Fran, who along with Gord started this project in 1969 at the old Primrose,” the post said. “And finally a HUGE thank you everyone who participated. As a group, we will help make a Merry Christmas for many families. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!”
