The McGregor Music Festival proceeds have been added up and they resulted in a record total.
The festival was held June 9 at Co-An Park and drew approximately 900 people through the gates. Now that the money from the event has been added up, a cheque for $95,000 was officially unveiled at a wrap-up party at the home of organizing committee chair Sue LeClair last Tuesday evening.
LeClair said the goal for this year was to raise $80,000 and was pleasantly surprised they exceeded it.
“Wow,” she said, of her reaction. “I’m just happy, ecstatic. We never thought we could hit it. Next year, it’s $100,000. Watch us. Here we go.”
The attendance was a large factor as to why the fundraising total was so high, LeClair believed, but it was also the generosity of those who came out.
“We had 900 people and they brought their wallets,” said LeClair. “That made the difference. The weather was also good. I didn’t think that park could hold 900 people.”
Houida Kassem, executive director with the Windsor Cancer Centre, said in addition to opening their wallets, people also opened their hearts.
“Everyone was enjoying themselves,” said Kassem. “Kudos to Sue and her volunteers who work at this for year after year after year.”
Bands this year included C2C with Charlene, Lookin' Back, the All Nighters, Bad Moustache, Jammin' for Wellness, Kenny & the Cruisers, Exit 31 and Crow Bar Hotel.
“Our bands are kick butt,” said LeClair. “Without the bands, we wouldn’t have any people.”
LeClair added the sponsors were great as well, as they wouldn’t have been able to do what they did and raise the amount of money they did without the sponsors. She stated the raffle prizes were “unbelievable” and the committee was also grateful for the 76 classic vehicle owners that turned out.
The pig auction alone raised $1,935.
“It takes an army,” added Kassem.
Kassem said the support the McGregor Music Festival received means cancer patients get to stay closer to home to receive the treatments they need.
Proceeds from this year’s festival go towards the patient assistance fund and patient care. Anything the Windsor Cancer Centre can do to improve the patient experience and to make their treatments as seamless as possible will be done, Kassem indicated.
“It’s well run,” Kassem said of the music festival. “It’s a family atmosphere. There’s no pretense. It’s total love for the cancer community.”
Fundraising efforts could expand next year, with LeClair stating they are considering selling T-shirts celebrating cancer survivors.
“You’d be amazed how many people are survivors,” she said. “You don’t know unless you talk to them. If you survived it, you should be proud.”
The festival draws people from all around the area, LeClair added, with many coming in from Amherstburg this year. Kassem emphasized the foundation is grateful for the efforts of the organizing committee, all of the volunteers and those who supported the festival.
The McGregor Music Festival is always on the Sunday before Father’s Day. LeClair said the date for next year’s festival is set and will return to Co-An Park June 8, 2025.
McGregor Music Festival raises record $95000
By Ron Giofu
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