Monica Alyea Receives the 2025 Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award

Tanya Moore • June 27, 2025

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to announce Monica Alyea as the 2025 recipient of the Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award (LFDSA).

 

PECMH Foundation former Board Member Leo Finnegan, and Executive Director Shannon Coull, presented this year’s award at the board’s annual meeting in Picton on June 26, 2025, honouring Monica as the fourth recipient of the Award.

 

Inspired by its first recipient Leo Finnegan, the LFDSA is presented to individuals who, through their ongoing loyalty, commitment, outstanding contribution, and service, have shown dedication to and support for the PECMH Foundation, its vision, mission, and strategic imperatives and priorities.

 

Monica’s connection with PECMH Foundation began in 2011, following her service as a municipal councillor. Over the next 13 years, she brought her energy, heart, and leadership skills to the Foundation Board of Directors, including as Chairperson from 2016–2019.

 

“Monica’s dedication, leadership, and community spirit makes her a truly deserving award recipient,” wrote Leo Finnegan. “Her wide-ranging experience—from municipal politics to the arts—and deep community connections have been instrumental to the foundation, especially during the early planning of our new hospital.”

 

Monica’s passion for the hospital and its future has also left a lasting impression amongst younger generations. From the time her grandson Haimish was a toddler, he was already raising money and awareness for PECMH—an early reflection of the values instilled by his “Eema.” Inspired by the stories he heard at home, Haimish held his very first lemonade stand with the proceeds proudly donated to PECMH Foundation.

 

Haimish’s act of generosity also inspired other children to take part in community fundraising. This ripple effect is a testament to Monica’s influence and her commitment to cultivating community support for local health care.

 

At the Milford Fair and Marysburgh Mummers performances, Monica infused each occasion in which she volunteered, with spirited appeals and 50/50 draws in support of the hospital.

 

“Monica’s ability to think outside the box has influenced and motivated many to contribute to the efforts necessary to gain approval for our new hospital,” said Nancy Parks, Chairperson of the Back the Build Campaign Cabinet.

 

When the first shovels broke ground on the new hospital site, Monica was there with enthusiasm and pride—snapping photos, offering encouragement, and sharing the joy.

 

“It is easy to say that this project is one of her greatest passions; one she remains committed to, even from a bit of a distance now,” said Monica’s daughter, Hilary Fennell. “She is proud to have been such an advocate for PECMH Foundation, and we are so very proud of her for having launched herself wholeheartedly into such an important piece of our community.” 

 

“It's quite a story what this community and its hospital have created...every couple of weeks I go and spend some time just looking at one of the most beautiful holes in the ground that I have ever seen. I am in awe every time,” said Monica. “For this heart-filling journey, for this inspiring outcome, for the now gentle relationship of trust we have with Quinte Health - I am so grateful as a volunteer."

 

“Monica’s unwavering commitment, leadership, and community spirit make her truly deserving of this award,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of PECMH Foundation. “She has helped secure our hospital’s future—one conversation, column, and baked treat at a time.”

 

Monica, who currently holds the title of Vice Chair of the Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre, continues to build bridges between health-focused organizations and championing wellness and fundraising at every opportunity.

 

Please join us in congratulating Monica Alyea, a true champion of Prince Edward County, and the 2025 recipient of the Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award.


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The Rotary Club of Picton has once again demonstrated its long-standing dedication to strengthening local healthcare by presenting a $5,000 donation to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation in support of the Back the Build campaign.  The contribution represents funds raised through several Rotary-led community initiatives, including their annual Rotary Golf Tournament , the Waterfalls Tour , Rotary Cash Calendars and the Lilac Ride . These events continue to play a significant role in ensuring the Foundation meets our $30M Back the Build campaign goal for the new PECMH. For more than 23 years, the Rotary Club of Picton has been a steadfast partner in improving healthcare in PEC—contributing close to $225,000 to date. This includes a generous $100,000 pledge toward Back the Build campaign that was fulfilled in 2023. These funds help to ensure the new hospital is equipped with the modern tools and technology needed to serve patients today and for generations to come. “The Rotary Club of Picton has a deep and enduring commitment to community service, and supporting our hospital is a natural extension of that mission,” said J.J. Johnston, Rotary Club of Picton President. “We are proud to continue contributing to a project that will have a lasting impact on everyone in Prince Edward County.” “We are grateful for Rotary’s leadership, generosity, and community spirit,” said Shannon Coull, Executive Director, PECMH Foundation. “Their ongoing support of this campaign helps ensure our new hospital will provide the high-quality care our community deserves. Rotary truly embodies what it means to give back to the County.” The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Picton for their support of local healthcare and their thoughtful contribution toward building and equipping the new hospital.
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BLOOMFIELD, October 28, 2025 – What began as a way to bring isolated people together safely to make cherished holiday memories during the Covid pandemic … grew over 5 years resulting in over 3,000 people (and countless pets) being photographed at ANDARA Gallery’s annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event … raising over $35,000 for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.  Today, Tara Wilkinson and Andrew Csafordi are proud to announce that this beloved program will be transitioning over to The Eddie Farm & Hotel for the 2025 Holiday season … and beyond. “We have loved every minute of our five years hosting this special holiday fundraiser! The program has grown so much and now requires more energy and resources. We couldn’t be more thrilled to hand the reins of this beautiful annual tradition over to the stewardship of Alex Portman and Michael von Teichman at The Eddie Hotel and Farm … the epitome of “Christmas in the County”. We know their team will do a great job continuing this treasured tradition for County residents and visitors in support of our beloved hospital”, said Tara Wilkinson, co-owner of ANDARA Gallery. Artists Tara and Andrew will continue to focus on creating, exhibiting and selling contemporary fine art paintings, photography, digital art and ceramics year-round from their colourful ANDARA Gallery - named one of Ontario’s Top 10 Best Art Galleries by TripAdvisor earlier this year. ANDARA Gallery’s upcoming holiday art show and sale, “LUMINOUS” will run November 15th through December 6th and then December 16th to 23rd from 11 AM to 5 PM. For more information, visit www.andaragallery.com. The 6th Annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event will take place at its new location, The Eddie Hotel and Farm located at 15786 Loyalist Parkway (between Bloomfield and Wellington) in Prince Edward County … Thursdays through Sundays between Noon and 6 PM starting on Thursday, December 4th and running through Sunday, December 21st, 2025. The event will now be known as “Holiday Photos at The Red Barn”. Residents and visitors can now make an advance reservation for their group photo time through www.theeddie.ca/holiday-photo-in-the-barn. Guests will check in a Nellie’s Cheese Shop located in The Red Barn where they can make their donation to PECMH Foundation’s “Back the Build” campaign, purchase a snack, hot chocolate, mulled cider and other holiday gifts. You then bring your own fully charged camera and choose from one of 3 photo areas in and around The Red Barn. Eddie staff will be available to assist with taking your photo or you can use one of the iphone camera stands available at each photo location. All they ask in return is for a donation to PECMH Foundation’s “Back the Build” campaign. “We suggest a donation of $10 per group, but a larger donation is welcome if you can afford it, and less is fine if you can’t” says Alex. An income tax receipt will be issued by the PECMHF for all donations over $100. To make your reservation for the 6th Annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event at The Eddie Hotel and Farm, go to www.theeddie.ca/holiday-photo-in-the-barn. “We are delighted to be taking over the annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event from Tara and Andrew at ANDARA Gallery and bringing it to The Eddie Hotel and Farm. It seemed like such a good fit since our property is already so decorated after The Red Barn Holiday Market - which takes place the last weekend of November each year. We loved the idea of people being able to capture their family memories over the years against the backdrop of “The Eddie”, says says Alex Portman, Co-owner of The Eddie Hotel and Farm. “We are delighted to continue this wonderful tradition of providing such a joyful experience for our community that brings people together to create holiday memories while raising much needed funds for the new hospital,” says Michael Von Teichman, Co-Owner of The Eddie Hotel and Farm. “Thank you to Andrew and Tara of ANDARA Gallery and everyone who has supported this event over the past five years. We look forward to continuing this wonderful holiday tradition with Alex and Mike at The Eddie Hotel and Farm. No matter the size, every donation makes a difference in the care you and your family will receive in our new hospital,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “We look forward to everyone coming out to support this festive fundraiser again this year as we work to modernize and enhance health care services to ensure people living in and visiting our community continue to have access to care close to home.” The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and patients of the hospital. -30- PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) Holiday Photo in the Barn Founders and ANDARA Gallery Co-Owners, Andrew Csafordi and Tara Wilkinson, celebrate the transition of their annual fundraiser over to The Eddie Hotel and Farm in Prince Edward County with (Centre) Nancy Parks, PECMHF Back the Build Chairperson and (R), the Eddie’s Co-Owners, Michael von Teichman and Alex Portman. Photo Credit: Staff, The Eddie Hotel and Farm.
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