East River Children’s Care Benefit Raises $9,500
March 31, 2010
Eclipsing last year’s fund-raising amount by $3,000, East River Electric employees volunteered their time, money and energy for Children’s Care Hospital and School (CCHS) as part of the 46th annual Mountain Oyster and Ham Feed Benefit.
“East River employees are passionate about the oyster feed and how it positively impacts families within our community. Each year, they embrace the opportunity to host this event to benefit CCHS,” said Maria Pedersen, East River employee committee chair.
CCHS offers a broad continuum of healthcare and educational services for children with mild learning, behavioral, or physical challenges to intensive medical rehabilitation from birth through age 21.
Over 350 Madison-area community members once again were faithful in supporting the event, held Thursday, March 25, 2010. Area businesses also donated items for door prizes and silent auction. Approximately $9,500 was raised.
The highlight of the evening occurred when a painting created by Madison resident April Cundy was purchased for $900 by East River employees, then donated back to CCHS for display. April receives services from CCHS and is the daughter of Linda and Randy Cundy.
“When you send your child to a facility that is apart from the regular school system, you tend to feel alone, that others in your community may not care. But East River definitely showed us once again, their support for the families of children with disabilities and for CCHS,” said Linda Cundy.
Cundy went on to state how much their family values what CCHS has provided for their daughter.
“April continues to benefit every day from the structure that CCHS provides. They have the staff to make sure she is kept on task and is learning to the best of her ability. She connects with the staff extremely well, so she is enjoying her days down there.”
“There are many days we wish April wasn't living in the dorm and could be with us daily, but there are so many more days when we realize she needs to be there. The staff is all trained to handle the behaviors of the children and to keep them all safe. We believe April is very safe at CCHS and that means everything to us,” said Cundy.
East River General Manager Jeff Nelson says the long-standing relationship the cooperative is a reflection of its employees’ dedication toward the community.
“Sustaining this tradition is a fine personal and professional achievement for the many past and current employees who continue to support his event. It is another example of the strong character of East River's workforce and their commitment to support others.”
