When a community comes together magic truly happens. This was evident as thousands flooded the streets of downtown Grimsby on Saturday night for the 1st Annual Summer Street Party in Support of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation. The crowds descended upon Main Street at 5pm with many families coming to see special characters and Dan the Music Man. Car enthusiasts were wowed with an amazing selection of high-end exotic cars. The BBQ, ice cream and cotton candy kept bellies full and volunteers busy. The local restaurants patios were brimming with patrons enjoying dinner and cocktail as the street party served as a entertaining background. Steps from the stage cheers could be heard as the dunk dank was in full swing, manned by Regional Councilor Tony Quirk with Gabriel DeSantis and local politicians on the hot seat.. At 7pm the first band, The Lonely Hearts began a lively set of current hits and classic favourites. The crowd was primed, and in the first break Mark Wood of Forty Public House took the stage to thank the attendees and invite Aaron Nevo VP of Public Affairs for Hamilton Health Sciences, to speak. He spoke with great excitement and anticipation regarding the event and led to a very heart felt speech by Alice Klamer President of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation who lauded the Homes By DeSantis team and all of the volunteers who made the night a success. Next to the mic was Gabriel DeSantis beaming with pride and gratitude for an event that was clearly being received with open arms and deep pockets from the community. “We are so proud to be part of a town with such outstanding good will. This cause is very important to us as healthcare is critical to a thriving, growing community. For this reason we are proud to make a $100,000 donation on behalf of our sponsors and the Homes By DeSantis team. The time has come! Let’s build a NEW hospital NOW!” Said DeSantis. The closing remarks were made by Grimsby MPP Sam Oosterhoff as he vowed to continue his petition to the Minister of Health to bring a new hospital to his constituents, stressing that events like the Summer Street Party are critical in demonstrating the necessity and desire for a new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. Just when one thought that the night could not get any more exciting, the Canadian Country Music Award Nominees the Reklaws took the stage and lit it up! The audience cheered and dance in the street filling the licensed patio area and beyond. It was a night that will not soon be forgotten and optimistically serves as a catalyst for a new Hospital.
