In six years, the Fitness Funatics FUNattack event has raised nearly $65,000 for the Hospital Foundation. Hub photo

Dear Editor,

Well we wanted to go out with a bang and wow did we ever. $16,090.00 raised in our final FUNattack Southampton Hospital Fundraiser.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would be what it is today. What started out as a fun event, that perhaps could benefit others, turned into this six year project grossing just over $64,227.69, just $772.31 shy of $65,000.00. Dang!

Ultimately every citizen of Saugeen Shores and surrounding area will benefit or has benefitted from the continued health care needs provided by Saugeen Memorial Hospital.

This has been a true community effort! My trainers, Melanie and Corrine, give their time every single year to make sure each hour of the event is challenging and fun; and Tracey is always around to lend a hand. Between our past Hospital Foundation Coordinator, Christy Kelly; and our current one, Sally Kidson, the support has been amazing.

Sally, not only are you amazing at your job but also as a person; I am so fortunate to call you a friend. Saugeen Memorial Hospital is lucky to have you, as we are too!

The participants bust their butts for five hours but that’s the fun part. Fundraising, well that is probably the hardest task of anything. It isn’t easy to ask for money but when we did, the generosity of friends and family - and even strangers - has been unbelievably supportive.

Our local businesses over the years (some every year!) have stepped up and donated many great prizes. This year was no exception! Our goal this year was to raise the most money we ever had and we needed some great incentive.

When I approached Jeff at Port Elgin’s Home Hardware about our fundraiser he didn’t even hesitate and offered this amazing barbecue! Then I received a picture from Canadian Tire of this awesome patio furniture and I think, “Oh my goodness! The participants are going to flip.”

Next, Peter Little of Little’s Furniture donated the most adorable La-Z-Boy recliner.

And just when I think it can’t get any better, the Southampton Golf and Country Club comes through with a set of Taylor Made Irons!

Then I have my long-time donors that I know I can count on every year, such as Mench and Casual Corners. You have always been there for me from day one and I am truly grateful.

Chocolate is also a big part of the FUNattack! At least it is at Fitness Funatics with Mill Creek Chocolate always supplying us with chocolate treats—what? It’s a food group in my books! The Best You of Owen Sound and the Scandinave Spa, as well as Belle of the Boudoir of Port Elgin, have also been my go-to businesses for prizes.

This year two couples get to enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the MS Chi-Cheemaun. Be sure to say hello to Corrine’s husband, Captain Bob Schreiber!

And last but not least, Peter McNeice of Imageport Photography. Peter (photographer extraordinaire) is a staple every year at our FUNattack, capturing all our cheesy smiles and making us look even better then we already do! One lucky winner now has a fitness goal to prepare for her fitness photo shoot with him! Of course it is pretty clear in the photo gallery as to which photos are the professional shots and which ones are the amateur ones! Thank you so much Peter for all you do for me, not only at the FUNattack but all year long!

Okay, enough rambling, I am getting teary eyed. It’s been a blast! We are truly blessed to live among so many amazing and supportive people. I love my community and all my Fitness Funatics.

Shelley Greig,
Fitness Funatics