A clambake this Friday will be a fundraiser and rallying point for Cobleskill Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department renovation.
Held at Grapevine Farms in Cobleskill, the clambake runs from 6pm to 8pm.
“The idea is to have some fun and support a great cause at the same time,” said Deb Dolan, the hospital’s manager of Regional Marketing and Community Engagement.
The Emergency Department renovation is scheduled to be finished in late August. The total cost is $6 million, with $1 million being raised locally.
That’s where the clambake will help.
“This is the community’s hospital, our hospital,” Grapevine owner Tim Purcell said, explaining his interest.
Mr. Purcell and Anne Myers, both on the fund drive committee, have organized the clambake, which will include steamed clams, barbecued chicken, corn on the cob, salads, dessert and a cash bar.
There will also be music by DJ Eric Haley and several auctions.
Also, Grapevine Farms’ gift shop will be open from 5 to 6:30, with 20 percent of proceeds going to the fundraising campaign.
In a drive that began last fall, fundraising has been steady, according to Eric Stein, the hospital president and CEO.
“We’ve had some nice gifts from the community,” he said. “One million was a nice goal, but it might be a bit of a stretch.”
The cost of the clambake is $50 per person.
To make reservations, call 234-9148 or go to www.grapevinefarms.com.
Reservations are helpful but not required, Mr. Purcell said.
“We turn nobody away for this,” he added.