Denham Ford’s ninth annual Hometown for Hunger event was a huge success, raising over $8,500 to support the Cranbrook Salvation Army’s local food programs and showcasing Cranbrook’s amazing community spirit.

The proceeds from the August 7 event will be permanently invested in the StellerVista Credit Union Endowment Fund, which is stewarded by the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR). This fund provides a grant, every year, forever, to support the Cranbrook Salvation Army’s local food programs.

Each and every week, the local Salvation Army provides approximately 325 on-site soup and sandwich lunches, 125 meals delivered to shut-ins, and, during the school year, 625 lunches to local students, with the need in the community continuing to grow, as food prices continue to rise.

Steve Zsillei, Denham Ford Marketing Manager/Sales and event co-organizer said, “The day started out rainy and a bit cool but really progressed into a beauty day. Wow, another $8,500 raised; I am floored! This year’s vibe was truly back to when we started this event nine years ago.

“We’re able to run this event every year thanks to our amazing volunteers, sponsors, and food vendors. Huge thanks to everybody who donated! Stay tuned for our BIG Ten-Year Hometown for Hunger anniversary next year! We are going to break an all-time record!”

Major Rick Robins from the Cranbrook Salvation Army attended the event, took a turn in the dunk tank, and stated “A big thanks for all the community support. The event was excellent and is a great example of community partners coming together to make a difference in the community in which they live and work. Thank You from The Salvation Army.”

Leading dunk tank fundraisers included John Facey from High “R” Expectations who donated $2,000 for Breanne Lieuwen, Cranbrook Bucks Vice-President and co-owner, to take a turn in the chilly waters.

Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka met his goal to raise $1,000, which saw him taking a dunk in his suit. Not to be outdone, the Denham Ford team raised $500 in record time to see GM Rene Kowalchuk get dunked.

For the 2024 event, Denham Ford and StellarVista Credit Union each generously matched donations up to $1,000.

Mr. Mike’s and Gouda Vibes provided delicious food and further supported the event with their own generous donations. In the Timbit eating contest, Lisa Barnes, CFKR Board Chair, defended her title, despite some last-minute rule changes!

Jean-Ann Debreceni, who played a key role establishing the StellerVista Credit Union Endowment Fund, was pleased to once again attend and support this event.

The Rockin’ in the Rockies Car Club joined in the fun, bringing several of their classic cars, making a donation, and passing the hat to send member Kim Levie to the dunk tank.

Lynnette Wray, CFKR Executive Director, shared her thanks and appreciation with all the event sponsors: “Thank you to Hargreaves Mechanical for filling the dunk tank, Sandor Rentals for all their support (the ‘cow milking’ was a big hit with the kids!), Culligan for the ice, Prestige Inn for towels, Murray Hayward for the awesome photos, Tim Hortons, and Save-On Foods. Very special thanks to Steve Zsillei from Denham Ford and Amie Lubbers from B-104/102.9 Rewind Radio for their dedication and commitment to making the 2024 event such a success!”

“There’s still time to donate to this year’s Hometown for Hunger event,” Wray added. “We have several options for individuals and businesses to make a tax-receiptable charitable donation.”

Options for donating include the following:

• Credit card donations via the following link: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/102851
• E-Transfer: to [email protected], Including “Hometown for Hunger” in the notes, as well as the donor’s email address, mailing address, and phone number
• Cheque: Made out to “CFKR”, noting “Hometown For Hunger” in the memo, including the donor’s email address and phone number, Mailed to CFKR at Box 242, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 4H8 or delivered to the CFKR office in the Ground Floor Coworking Space at 131 7th Ave. S., Cranbrook
• Cash: Delivered to the CFKR office in the Ground Floor Coworking Space at 131 7th Ave. S., Cranbrook.
• Employer-Matching Donation Programs: Some employers have a program to match employees’ charitable donations, through a service such as Benevity. This is a quick and easy way to potentially double the value of your donation!

Photos submitted

Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies

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