Best Bites

Best Bites Taste of the Region Organizers Postpone Popular Fundraising Event

Best Bites will return in September 2021 to benefit Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation (CMHF) and Rotary Preston-Hespeler.

May 29, 2020 – CAMBRIDGE, ON – For over a decade, the annual food and entertainment presented at Best Bites – Taste of the Region has been enjoyed by many regional guests. Because of our guests and many generous sponsors, over $950,000 has been raised to purchase equipment for Cambridge Memorial Hospital and support local Rotary projects. This year, with health authority recommendations in mind, the shores of Shades Mill Lake will be quiet that weekend – no tents, no delicious samples, and no theme-related entertainment.

“As a hospital that relies on signature fundraising events like Best Bites, this was a very tough call to make. However, protecting the health of our community is paramount and we know that this is the right decision,” says Lisa Short, CMHF’s Executive Director.

This year’s Sunday afternoon event, previously scheduled for September 13, 2020, will be planned instead for September 2021. Long-time presenting Best Bites sponsors, MNP LLP and RBC Wealth Management, are already looking forward to supporting the event next year.

Erica Tennenbaum, Rotarian and Best Bites Co-Chair, mentions, “We are forever grateful for our vendor partnerships and sponsor support over the years, making this event such a great success.  Our thoughts are with those amazing partners.”

Organizers acknowledge that government guidelines in place to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus have had a significant impact on the wineries, breweries, and restaurants that make Best Bites such a wonderful experience, each and every year. Postponing the event will give them time to begin to recover.

“We encourage everyone in Cambridge, North Dumfries and Region to continue supporting these businesses with the purchase of take out, or gift cards, and to visit their establishments as soon as it is safe to do so.” states Short. Many wineries and breweries also offer delivery.

One of the unique aspects of this garden party is always the event theme. From the Roaring Twenties to Caribbean, each year vendors and guests follow a different theme. The 2021 theme is already set and will be announced this fall. 

Although we won’t be gathering in person, CMHF is encouraging regular attendees and sponsors to consider making a donation to the hospital’s Priority Needs fund.  Or, you can choose to support Rotary Preston Hespeler at https://cambridgerotary.ca

To view a full listing of Best Bites vendors and sponsors from 2019, click here.

For updates on Best Bites 2021 or other events, visit our website www.cmhfoundation.ca,  and subscribe to our monthly newsletter or follow our social media channels.

For additional information please reach out to:

Alexandra Wolosinecky
[email protected]
Special Events Officer
Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation

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