On Tuesday, December 10, Mike “Pinball” & Diane Clemons welcomed guests to a unique Christmas variety show at the Midland Cultural Centre. In keeping with the spirit of giving, the proceeds from the event are being donated to the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation to help with the purchase of critical patient care equipment and technology. Thanks to a great spirit of generosity from the organizers, performers and guests, the event raised $10,600 for the hospital.
It was the stories told throughout the show which brought out the real Christmas spirit, with raw and heartfelt memories shared by Diane on her childhood, and inspiring anecdotes from Mike on the true meaning of this special season.
“The show tonight was spectacular! A truly unique intimate time together with special people and amazing talent! So happy I had the opportunity to be there,” says Michelle Lesperance, who attended the performance.
Presented by Steve and Brandon Renault of Middle Retirement and hosted by Mike Clemons, the show featured local artistic performances from Georgian Bay School of Dance, Georgian Bay Musical Theatre Company, and numerous holiday ballads from Diane Clemons and her 5-piece band.
“I’ve been down to a number of ‘Christmas with the Clemons’ events in Toronto, and felt it would be amazing if we could have the same sort of show here in the Midland area,” says Steve Renault, CEO of Middle Retirement. “We chose to raise funds for Georgian Bay General Hospital because it is such an important part of the community and equipment is not funded by the government.”
“This was an incredible event for our community,” says Nicole Kraftscik, executive director, GBGH Foundation. “Steve and Brandon from Middle Retirement brought outstanding talent together for a fun-filled, energizing Christmas celebration. We are honoured that Mike & Diane took the time to come to Midland, and be part of an event which resulted in an impactful gift of $10,600 for patient care at GBGH.”
Brandon and Steve Renault of Middle Retirement present the $10,600 proceeds from the ‘Christmas with the Clemons’ event to the GBGH Foundation. The Christmas variety show featured local artistic performances from Georgian Bay School of Dance, Georgian Bay Musical Theatre Company and numerous holiday ballads from Diane Clemons and her 5-piece band. From left: Brandon Renault, manager of business development, Middle Retirement; Jen Russell, development and communications officer, GBGH Foundation; Christine Baguley, philanthropy officer, GBGH Foundation; and Steve Renault, CEO, Middle Retirement.