Hospital Days Midway Generates Surprise Donation

Chamber expected to lose money on midway's return

Press release
Bruce King, President and CEO of New London Hospital, accepts a surprise donation from Peter Fenton, Jr., President of the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Appleseed Restaurant and Sunapee Cruises.
Bruce King, President and CEO of New London Hospital, accepts a surprise donation from Peter Fenton, Jr., President of the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Appleseed Restaurant and Sunapee Cruises.

In February, the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce (LSRCC) announced that it would be working with New London Hospital (NLH) to bring back and sponsor the return of the midway as part of the 89th annual Hospital Days events. The LSRCC, however, did not expect such success during its first year being involved.

The LSRCC was able to make a donation of $1,500 back to NLH. “This was an unexpected donation,” said Jennifer Tockman, Executive Director of the LSRCC, “as we had prepared to lose money on this event in Year One.” A small part of the donation was dollars generated through a raffle at the Meet the Chamber Night specifically earmarked for New London Hospital, and the balance is from profit made through the midway. “We couldn’t be happier the way it all turned out. We were able to host some new additions to the weekend, including a very successful first annual Meet the Chamber Night. So, we were able to give back to New London Hospital and support our Chamber members at the same time,” said Tockman.

While the intentions of the LSRCC were simple, to support NLH in attracting more visitors to the area for New London Hospital Days and to stimulate local economy in early August, the results were even better. The LSRCC was able to help bring back community spirit that has always surrounded the New London Hospital Days events!

Both the LSRCC and NLH thank the Lake Sunapee Region community and beyond for making the 89th annual Hospital Days so successful. They look forward to beginning plans for the 90th celebration in 2014 (slated for July 31 through August 3).