A Chatham business owner is hosting an event with the goal of raising $15,000 to support a cause she has used personally.
Tiffany Cunningham, owner of Prem, and her family are holding the third Cocktails and Candycanes event Dec. 17. Proceeds will go towards Ronald McDonald House London.
Cunningham and her husband Wes’ two daughters were both born prematurely at 29 weeks. Their first daughter, Aria, was born in Tulsa, Okla. and their second, Ella, was born in London, Ont.
“Following Ella’s birth, we were fortunate to call Ronald McDonald House London our home for the 71 days she spent in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit),” Cunningham said in a news release.
“We were so grateful for our stay there as it allowed us to be close to Ella while she fought her fight, and we were also able to connect with many other families, all going through challenging situations.”
The support from Ronald McDonald House and the people of Chatham-Kent made her want to give back.
“I started planning the event during Ella’s stay in the NICU, and we hosted our inaugural Cocktails and Candycanes event the day she was able to come home, making it even more special,” she said.
The inaugural event in 2018 raised $10,000, followed by over $14,000 in 2019.
The Cunningham family’s goal this year is $15,000. Support for the event can be made through ticket purchases, as well as donations for the silent and live auctions.
“That is where we can have the biggest impact, with 100 per cent of the proceeds being donated,” Cunningham said.
Cocktails and Candycanes will be held at the Everest Convention Centre, formerly Club Lentinas. Doors open at 5:30 pm for appetizers and cash bar and dinner is at 7 pm
The event will have a four-course meal, a DJ, dancing, a photo booth and pictures with Santa.
To purchase tickets or donate items, email [email protected]. Updates will be posted to the @cocktails.candycanesck Instagram page.