Many of Chester County Hospital’s fundraising events have been traditions in our community for decades, which benefit numerous hospital departments and programs. Despite trying times, our loyal supporters embraced our reimagined events in 2020. Like the rest of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic brought Chester County Hospital's events to a screeching halt. Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, our events team used innovative approaches to come up with new ways to continue some of our beloved annual events.
"It was important to us to stay engaged with our longtime event supporters and volunteers in safe, virtual ways and provide a bit of normalcy in a time of great uncertainty," explained Kate Pergolini, Event and Volunteer Fundraising Manager, The Chester County Hospital Foundation. "Our committees wasted no time in coming up with virtual plans and there was no question our community would show up – they always do."
Thank you to all of our wonderful event donors, sponsors, and participants for your unwavering support of Chester County Hospital!
Here are a few highlights from our reimagined 2020 events:
- Challenge for Cancer Bike Tour: Three virtual options to participate in the 30, 50, 65, 75 or 100-mile bike tours were offered. The "Home Challenge" utilized our virtual video vault to "tour" throughout Chester County. Those who chose the "Road Challenge" downloaded a map of the course and followed the turn by turn GPS guided ride. The "Live Challenge" invited participants to tune into our livestream instructor led stationary cycling class, while riding at home.
- Chester County Day "79 ½ Virtual House Tour" - Each week throughout the month of September we featured a different quadrant of Chester County from past tours. Each quadrant featured virtual house tours, a historical article, trivia with chance to win 2021 tickets, things to do, menu favorites, Home of the Week, and sponsor highlights.
- Wine Festival to Crush Cancer: "Tour Passports" were sold, redeemable for outdoor/socially distanced tastings at various local wineries, breweries, distilleries and dining establishments throughout Chester County in the month of October. Each week featured different establishments. Purchase options included weekly passes or a VIP Month Pass. In addition, this fundraiser featured an online auction.
- SHiNE: With an increased need for cancer care services during the pandemic, our SHiNE program provided several ways to help support patients in our community. SHiNE fundraising initiatives included: Sponsorship options, Fund-A-Need services and an online raffle featuring three exciting prizes drawn during a "live event" on Facebook Live.