Silver anniversaries are occasions for great celebration and remembrance within families. For the Stewart Memorial Hospital family, the 25th Annual Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, February 18 will be every bit as fun and special.

For the first few years, dances were organized by the Stewart Memorial Hospital Board. Throughout the mid-90s, the SMH Auxiliary had taken over the coordination of this major fundraiser for the hospital.  

“It is through the great generosity of local businesses donating door prizes, and individuals providing support, that we are able to hold this event each year,” said Doreen Wooder, SMH Auxiliary President.  

“We have always served a beautiful lunch half way through the evening, and people from all the 22 communities provide the delicious food.”

As in the past twenty-four years, the dance will be held in the Ellerslie Legion. Live music will once again be provided by Old Habits. Auxiliary members are also selling raffle tickets that will be drawn that night. 

President Wooder noted that local residents are big supporters of the dance, but people also come from Summerside and O’Leary each year as well.  

“They tell us they look forward to coming to Ellerslie each year because of the great atmosphere, and we really appreciate their support of our hospital.”

And that support has been substantial: over the past twenty-four years, the dances have raised nearly $48,000 for Stewart Memorial Hospital. Auxiliary members hope that the $50,000 mark will be surpassed this year.  

Dance tickets are $12 each and available by calling Doreen at 831-2975.