Mayor Mike Smith addressed the crowd at Pretty in Pink’s final fundraising event, Denim and Diamonds, at the Southampton Curling Club, September 3. The Pretty in Pink team spent a week getting the venue ready.

Hub Staff

A root’n toot’n good time was had by all at Pretty in Pink’s final fundraising event, Denim and Diamonds, at the Southampton Curling Club September 3.

The fundraising event culminated eight years of efforts, with $200,000 being raised through 25 inspired events, such as fashion shows, golf tournaments, fun runs, Zumba parties, and more.

Dressed in a denim dress, Pretty in Pink’s Co-Chair Sylvia Sheard said that they’re thrilled they made their fundraising goal in just three years and is always amazed at the community of Saugeen Shores for supporting and helping them keep health care close to home.

“[Denim and Diamonds is] a real great celebration of this community that’s raised so much money for our hospital, for our new E.R., and for the new Cancer Care Centre (Owen Sound), so it’s really a party to recognize everybody that’s here, not us,” said Sheard at the event.

The Pretty in Pink team spent a week transforming the Southampton Curling Club into a scene from a Western. Past Pretty in Pink fundraising items like the all-male calendar donned the walls, while local photographer Jennifer O’Reilly was again invited to take photos, this time in front of a western landscape mural for all party goers.

Long-time Pretty in Pink member Joanne McDonald said she will have a lot of good memories being a part of the Pretty in Pink team, but what she will remember most is just how amazing the community was, and its support that she said was “just incredible”.

After the years of fundraising McDonald said that Denim and Diamonds is an excuse to “kick up our heals and celebrate.”

The Lulu’s Band got people on the dance floor, while local crooner Ethan Salmon worked the audience and sang a few hits including the “The Way You Look Tonight”.

A silent and live auction featured an assortment of items such as art, a diamond necklace and diamond bracelet worth $5,000, which was donated by Vincent Jeweller; all of which went to the highest bidder.

A special choreographed hoedown by the Pretty Boys and Girls entertained all.

On the left, Pretty in Pink Co-Chairs Sylvia Sheard (left) and Cheryl Heizer dressed in their denim best welcomed and personally thanked everyone for attending the final Pretty in Pink event, Denim and Diamonds, September 3. On the right, evening hosts Brian Longmire and Robin Woods from 98 the Beach spent some time in jail before the event.

The Pretty in Pink team and the Pretty Boys performed a choreographed line dance at Denim and Diamonds.

Denim and Diamonds was a “girls night out” for friends, Angela Toltan (left) Erin Little and Katherine Mullin.

Pretty in Pink member Joanne McDonald spent some time with crooner Ethan Salmon, before he took the stage. McDonald said she was very excited about having Salmon perform at Denim and Diamonds, and was excited for his career in the music.

Local photographer Jennifer O’Reilly took attendees’ photographs at the event, and even printed the photos on site for everyone to take home.