Join us for Bid for the Build

bboyce • April 5, 2024

Join us for Bid for the Build

By Briar Boyce

On Saturday, June 1, 2024, the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) and six local galleries are hosting a special fundraising auction of curated contemporary and historical fine art to Back the Build for our new County hospital.

Bid for the Build: A Fundraising Art Auction will be hosted at Picton’s historic Crystal Palace, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. This will be your opportunity to bid on stunning works by professional artists, including paintings, prints and sculptures.

Upon arrival, guests will receive their bidding paddle and enjoy a glass of bubbly provided by Karlo Estates while perusing the silent auction. There will be hors-d’oeuvres and an opportunity to mingle with fellow collectors and art lovers while previewing the items going into the live auction. The Crystal Palace will be decorated with elegant drapery, making you feel like you are at a Sotheby’s Auction.

The live auction will be the centrepiece of the evening as these hotly anticipated works of art will be auctioned by our professional auctioneer, Julie Riches from Riches Appraisals & Consult, who will captivate attendees with her entertaining banter and rapid-calling style.

The competition will be fierce as guests outbid each other for once-in-a-lifetime art experiences while supporting PECMHF’s Back the Build campaign. Collectors will vie for their chance to bid on an original Charles Pachter painting - just one of the many highlights of the evening.

In 2019, the inaugural Bid for the Build art auction netted an astonishing $118,000+ to support the new hospital campaign. The 2024 edition of this exciting fundraising auction aims to exceed that success and have an even greater impact on healthcare services in The County.

Funds raised will assist in purchasing a Computerized Tomography (CT) Scanner and other critically needed digital diagnostic tools for the new hospital. In 2022 alone, patients from PEC were referred to other regional hospitals for CT Scans over 2,100 times. Access to a CT Scanner in our new hospital is a first for our hospital and community and will revolutionize local healthcare options for our neighbours, friends, and families.

We are grateful to the generous collectors and artists who have made amazing and significant contributions. An incredible catalogue of available works will be featured online in early May. At that time, early bids can be cast through an online auction that will run for two weeks before the live event. Visit www.pecmhf.ca/bid-for-the-build for all the details.

PECMHF would like to thank our Gallery Sponsors: Oeno Gallery, 2gallery, Maison Depoivre, Mad Dog Gallery, and Hatch Gallery – for their support and commitment to our hospital. Each gallery has worked hard to ensure the art available for auction features affordable and higher-end works so there is something for everyone.

The Bid for the Build committee is thrilled to welcome RBC Wealth Management as the gold sponsor of Bid for the Build. RBC, along with silver sponsors, CIBC Private Wealth, and HDR Architecture Associates, will help maximize proceeds for this auction and show how these partnerships can help us realize our dream of building a new hospital in Prince Edward County.

We’re looking for engaging and energetic individuals willing to donate their time and effort to ensure a successful event – and to raise much-needed dollars for the PECMH Foundation. We’re looking to fill as many volunteer roles as possible, including event set up and tear down, auction spotters, art installers and wrappers. If you are interested in volunteering on June 1, please email Dana at dcharles@oenogallery.com.

Seating is limited to just 300 guests. At $50.00 per person, tickets are selling out quickly. Tickets are available online at www.pecmhf.ca/bid-for-the-build or by calling the foundation at 613-476-1008 ext. 4507. Reservations of 10 or more tickets will receive a 5% discount.

The evening is expected to have good-natured bidding and competition, resulting in a win-win-win for all involved, and we hope to see you there.

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The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to recognize the generosity of Brandon and Hailey Pounder, co-owners of Pounder’s Pub & Patio, who hosted the first annual Pounder Polar Plunge on February 1. Held at Pounder’s Pub & Patio in Wellington, the event brought together community members, local hockey teams including the Wellington Dukes and County Royals, and spectators for a fun and meaningful day in support of local causes. Close to 40 participants took the plunge with a $20 entry fee, while attendees enjoyed a community BBQ donated by the County Royals. The event raised $1,000 for the PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign and $1,000 for the Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association (WARA), supporting both the future of healthcare in Prince Edward County and the vital work of WARA’s volunteer-run marine search and rescue team. “We are incredibly grateful to Brandon and Hailey for their creativity, community spirit, and commitment to making a difference,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Events like the Pounder Polar Plunge not only raise important funds but also build momentum and awareness for local initiatives that matter deeply.” “We started the Polar Plunge to give back to the community we grew up in and bring people together,” said Brandon Pounder, co-owner of Pounder's Pub & Patio. “The support from local teams and residents was incredible, and we’re excited to grow this into an annual event and continue supporting important local causes.” Over the past six years (2020–2025), Quinte Health has recorded 315 emergency department visits related to water incidents at its four hospitals—an average of approximately 53 visits per year across the region. PECMH alone sees an average of 11 such visits annually. “Even one drowning is one too many,” said David McFaul, WARA supervisor. “Water safety is something we can’t take for granted in our region, and it takes awareness, education, and strong community organizations to keep people safe. The Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association plays a critical role in protecting residents and visitors on our waterways through their dedicated volunteer efforts.” WARA operates as part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, responding to emergencies across West Lake and Lake Ontario. With a highly trained, all-volunteer crew, the organization plays a critical role in ensuring safety along approximately 125 kilometres of shoreline and 2,400 square kilometres of water. Its operations rely heavily on community support and fundraising efforts. The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Brandon and Hailey of Pounder’s Pub & Patio and everyone who participated in or supported the inaugural Pounder Polar Plunge.