There is a special event being held under white tents at the outdoor greenspace on site at St. Joseph’s Health Centre on Westmount Road.
In the past, Taste of Guelph was a joint fundraiser, with funds supporting St. Joseph’s and Guelph General. In recent years, St. Joseph’s has taken on the organization of the event and is the sole recipient of funds raised.
The event, which is expected to attract 500 to 600, is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year in Guelph according to Jennifer Hall, Vice-President, Development at St. Joseph’s.
“It’s a very relaxed atmosphere," she said. "We like to say it’s like a huge garden party.”
Approximately 50 local restauranteurs, vintners, and microbrewers participate in the event by bringing their finest food, beverages, and desserts.
The tables that are set up under large white tents on St. Joseph's green space are already in place in advance of the event.
St. Joseph’s has a rich history in Guelph, with its foundations dating back to 1861 when three Sisters from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton purchased an old farmhouse and converted it into a 16-bed facility called the “Gate House."
Today, St. Joseph’s operates 240 long-term care beds, and 86 specialty hospital beds, which include complex continuing, palliative, and rehabilitation care. According to Hall, it serves as Guelph’s only rehabilitation and complex continuing care hospital as well as providing outreach and long-term care services.
Taste of Guelph is the signature fundraising event for St. Joseph’s. This year, the goal is to raise $70,000.
Over the years, Taste of Guelph has raised close to 1 million dollars for various health centres in Guelph.
The Taste of Guelph event is organized by a volunteer committee, with nearly 90 volunteers working together the week before the big day. “Proceeds of the event are used to purchase vital medical equipment needed to care for and heal our patients,” Hall said.
The event is intended to be both fun and relaxed, with live music, auctions, and a chance to mingle and network with more than 500 attendees of the event.
Taste of Guelph takes place on Sunday, September 18th from 1 - 4 p.m. Tickets are still available for purchase online and will continue to be available up until the event date, when tickets can then be purchased at the door.
All proceeds going to St. Joseph’s Health Centre.
To find out more about the event, please visit Taste of Guelph onlline.
