AMHERST – LeRoy Morris and Roy Pettigrew like to make a difference in the community.
As they have for several years, the people behind the Bordertown Jam will once again come together next Wednesday (May 9) to raise money for the Highland Fling, a major fundraiser for the Cumberland Health Care Auxiliary.
“We’ve raised a lot of money over the years,” Morris said. “It’s a very worthwhile cause because everyone will need to use the hospital at some time in their lives. It’s nice to be able to make a contribution.”
Since the yearly musical fundraiser started several years ago as Dick’s Jamboree, Singing for the Fling has raised more than $20,000. All the money goes to the Fling that supports the purchase of important medical equipment for the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.
The 36th Highland Fling is set for Saturday, May 12 at the Amherst Curling Club. The goal is to raise $36,000 to purchase respirators for the regional hospital’s intensive care unit.
Pettigrew said Singing for the Fling will include 20 of the Bordertown Jam’s regular entertainers. They will each perform a song before the stage is turned over to Maple Sugar from Moncton, who will perform for an hour or so.
With three fiddles, two guitars, a keyboard, accordion, mouth organs, a washboard and vocals, Maple Sugar is sure to have toes tapping in Heartz Hall at Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church.
Bob Nelson from CFTA will be the emcee.
There will be homemade cookies, 50/50 and a live auction that includes items such as a plane ride, marsh adventure for four (boat ride, lunch and woodland hike), Nana Mouskouri tickets at Casino New Brunswick and a hand-stitched quilt made and donated by Ruth Guilderson.
Also up for grabs are gift certificates from Blue Wave Energy, the Cumberland YMCA and The Shine Depot.
Tickets are available from the office at Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church and First Baptist Church as well as from CFTA Community Radio, the Amherst Artisans Gallery in the Amherst Centre mall or by calling Ida Roode at 902-660-2463.
“Sing for the Fling has sold out the last couple of years so people shouldn’t wait to buy their tickets,” Fling committee member Vicki Daley said. “They’ll be gone before you know it.”
This weekend, Breakfast at Brittney’s is hosting its always popular breakfast for the Fling on Saturday, May 5 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Two dollars from every meal $8 and over goes to support the Fling.
There will be a draw for two $20 gift certificates from Breakfast at Brittney’s.
Twitter: @ADNdarrell