Image: Vickie Legere / Guests at Saturday night's Hometown Hoedown for Hospice in Chilliwack.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Charitable event

Chilliwack non-profit throws a great party Saturday night, raises five figures for charitable programs

Apr 8, 2025 | 9:21 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack Hospice Society knows how to throw a party for a great cause.

Guests donning cowboy hats, plaid and all things Western filled the Evergreen Hall Saturday night for the society’s 12th annual Hometown Hoedown for Hospice, raising over $59,000 to support free grief support and palliative care support programs for children, youth, and adults in Chilliwack and the surrounding communities.

Guests relished a lively evening of fun and fundraising, featuring a delicious barbecue dinner of brisket, beans and chicken provided by local favourite Guerilla Q, a lively silent auction, and a country dance with toe-tapping tunes and plenty of cowboy charm.

Image: Vickie Legere / A hearty dinner of brisket, beans, chicken, macaroni and more.

The mechanical bull enticed several brave souls to try their hand, though most ended up flopping onto the soft inflatable surface surrounding the device.

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Image: Vickie Legere / A brave soul tries his hand on the mechanical bull during Saturday night’s Hometown Hoedown for Hospice at Evergreen Hall in Chilliwack.

The Dessert Dash returned with sweet success thanks to the magnanimity of local bakers and businesses.

“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our community,” said Sue Knott, Executive Director of Chilliwack Hospice Society. “Whether someone donated an auction item, volunteered their time, or simply showed up with a giving heart, their support helps ensure that individuals and families facing serious illness, dying, and grief have access to compassionate care and support — at no cost — at our centre, in hospice or hospital, or wherever they call home.”

Chilliwack Hospice Society is extending wholeheartedly thanks to all event sponsors, auction and Dessert Dash donors, volunteers, vendors, attendees, and everyone who bid on auction items or participated in the 50/50 draw, Heads or Tails game, or spun the Wild West Wheel. It says people’s generosity makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those the society serves.