Picton Fair Bake Off Challenge Sets Record

bboyce • October 28, 2022

Bake Off Challenge Backs the Build

PICTON, October 28, 2022 - For 14 years, the Prince Edward Agricultural Society has been supporting our County hospital by putting their baking skills to the test.

After pivoting for two years due to COVID-19, the Picton Fair came back stronger than ever in 2022 and with it came the return of the beloved Picton Fair Bake Off Challenge. This event united dozens of bakers and bidders who demonstrated their community spirit, generosity, and commitment to Backing the Build for our new County hospital.

The Picton Fair Bake Off Challenge is an opportunity for businesses or individuals to put their culinary skills to the test by having their entries judged by local celebrities and then have their dessert auctioned off to raise funds to support the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF).

Seventeen entries were submitted and were judged by volunteers including Barbara McConnell, PECMHF’s board chairperson, Ken Menlove, PECMHF board member, and Jenn McKay with Cool 100.

Craig Carson was the volunteer auctioneer. His energy and enthusiasm was contagious amongst the crowd and resulted in this year’s event raising a record-breaking $7,005! These funds will support the major medical equipment purchases needed for the new hospital. Carson’s witty banter resulted in the best in show coconut cream pie auctioning off for $1,000!

“We could not achieve our goal of building a new, well equipped hospital for the residents of and visitors to Prince Edward County without support from the community.” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. We are honoured to have the continued support of the hard-working volunteers with the Fair Board and those who bake a pie or cake or come and bid on these delectable desserts. The Agricultural Society has supported healthcare delivery in our community for 14 years.”

The Agricultural Society wishes to thank all of the generous people who donated a baked good or participated in the auction. As medical care advances, the Picton Fair Board is committed to keeping our hospital well equipped– for you, your loved ones and for every person in our community.

“We were thrilled to move forward with an in-person Fair after a two-year hiatus and bring back the Bake Off Challenge, which benefits our local hospital,” said Larry Everall, president of the Prince Edward Agricultural Society. “We are grateful to everyone who attends the Fair, whether they ride the Midway, enter an item as an exhibit or as a vendor, participate in the Bake Off, or volunteer with us. We couldn’t be happier with this year’s record-breaking result from the Bake Off for our County hospital. Thank you to everyone who baked or bid to make that happen.”

This donation brings the Ag Society’s cumulative giving total to PECMHF to $27,695.

The Foundation is proud of their longstanding partnership with the Agricultural Society and hopes to see everyone at next year’s Picton Fair!

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County.

-30-

Pictured in front of Picton’s Crystal Palace from left: Tina Hiddink, secretary/treasurer for the Prince Edward Agricultural Society; Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson; Barbara McConnell, PECMH Foundation chairperson; Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation; Susan Harrington, vice president of the Agricultural Society; Larry Everall, president of the Agricultural Society and Briar Boyce, senior development officer with the PECMH Foundation.

Photo: John Tofflemire

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Gay Lea Foundation Invests $21,000 in Mammography Campaign at PECMH

By bboyce • June 4, 2026

Gay Lea Foundation Invests $21,000 in Mammography Campaign at PECMH

PECMH Auxiliary Raises Funds for New Echocardiogram Unit to Enhance Cardiac Care

By bboyce • May 29, 2026

PECMH Auxiliary Raises Funds for New Echocardiogram Unit to Enhance Cardiac Care - Investing in the Future of Health Care Delivery at our Hospital

Jim Cuddy and Friends - photo by Christine Reid Photography

Community Raises $577,000 Net at Sold-Out Evening with Jim Cuddy

By bboyce • May 11, 2026

Community Raises $577,000 at Sold-Out Evening with Jim Cuddy

Members of the Rock for a Reason organizing committee present 26,000 to PECMH Foundation.

Rock for a Reason Raises $26,000 for Mammography Equipment at PECMH

By bboyce • April 30, 2026

Rock for a Reason Raises $26,000 for Mammography Equipment at PECMH

Pounder Polar Plunge Raises Funds for Back the Build and Marine Rescue

March 20, 2026

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.