No parent wants their child to stay in the hospital, let alone over two months, but that is a memory a Chatham family will never forget.
For a third time, the Cunningham family is giving back to the organization that supported them through their daughter's premature birth.
Tiffany and her husband Wes will be hosting their third Cocktails and Candy Canes event on Saturday, December 17 in support of the Ronald McDonald House London (RMHL). The RMHL supported them during a tough time and they've been committed to giving back ever since.
"Both our daughters were born prematurely at 29 weeks," said Cunningham. "Aria [was born] in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Ella in London. After Ella's birth, we were fortunate to call RMHL our home for the 71 days she spent in the NICU. We were so grateful for our stay because it allowed us to be close to Ella while she fought her fight."
With experience in the restaurant and entertainment industry, hosting an event made the most sense for the Cunningham family to give back to the organization.
In the last two years, the family has been able to donate $24,000 to the RMHL. This year, the family has a goal of raising $15,000. "The RMH helped made one of the most difficult situations in our lives much easier," said Cunningham. "I'll never forget how supported Wes and I felt during that time. It takes a village to raise children, and our village rose to the occasion,"
This year's Cocktails and Candy Canes event will be held at the Everest Convention Centre, former Club Lentina, and will feature a happy hour including appetizers and cocktails, a four-course meal, a DJ, dancing, a photo booth, and pictures with Santa.
According to Cunningham, 200 tickets have been sold so far with a limited quantity left for anyone looking to attend the event.
"There are two ways people can get involved," said Cunningham. "We still have tickets available for the event and a portion of ticket sales will go directly to Ronald McDonald House. We are also looking for items for our silent and live auctions as that is where we can have the biggest impact, with 100 per cent of the proceeds being donated."
To purchase tickets or donate a prize to the silent or live auction, you can email cocktailsandcandycanes2022@gmail.com.
