Saturday, August 3rd was a nearly picture perfect day on the Townshend Common for Grace Cottage Hospital’s annual community fundraiser. Since people come and go at multiple points of entry, it’s hard telling how many folks came out in support of Grace Cottage, but the number was well over 2,000.
“If it weren’t for Dr. Carlos Otis,” offered Grace Cottage CEO Doug DiVello, “none of us would be gathered here together today.” DiVello spoke from the Common bandstand in a mid-morning celebration of the 70th anniversary of the West River Valley healthcare center. Joining him were Representative Emily Long of Newfane who read a Legislative Resolution honoring Grace Cottage on this momentous occasion, and Dr. Otis’s daughters, Marion and Carleen, who shared heartfelt remembrances of their father and the hospital in its early days.
Run by the collective effort of more than 100 volunteers under the direction this year of 2019 Fair Day Chairperson Eileen Fahey, the event is much more than a fundraiser. While the event does raise significant funds, Fair Day provides people who appreciate having Grace Cottage’s service available to them the opportunity to show their support and to be reminded of how important the institution is to the community.
Beyond, in the little town of Townshend, it’s definitely the party of the summer!
Photo above taken by David Barnum. For more event day photos, check out the photo album.
