Ribfest racks up money for charity
Event raised $70,000 for hospice society
Sydney Ribfest has raised $70,000 for the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.
The donation comes from both Sydney Ribfest attendees and organizers — a total of $47,000 was donated at the gate by Cape Bretoners, and $23,000 has been contributed by the four Rotary Clubs in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
The Rotary clubs sponsored and organized the three-day event, held July 15-17 at Open Hearth Park in Sydney. Approximately 35,000 people attended this year’s Ribfest.
“The move to our new location in Open Hearth Park meant many changes from last year,” Sydney Ribfest co-chair Sara Salter-Burke said in a release. “We had to establish a new site design and expand plans to fill all the space we had at our disposal so that those attending would have lots of opportunities to enjoy themselves in addition to savoring the great food prepared by the ribbers. Such a move brings along additional expenses and new lessons to learn. Overall, it seems to have been an extremely positive experience for everyone.”
The $70,000 donation to the hospice society is an increase from the $55,000 combined donation Ribfest made to the organization last year.
In May, hospice society officials announced plans to establish a 10-bed hospice residence in Sydney, and this donation will go toward those efforts.
“We know that the Hospice Palliative Care Society is very grateful to both the community and CBRM Rotary Club members for this significant contribution to the establishment of the new hospice residence,” said Ribfest co-chair Kevin Armstrong. “Ribfest has become a successful signature local event for everyone, regardless of age, and Rotary is proud to be the driving force behind a three-day event that captures the attention and participation of the community at large.”