BRATTLEBORO — Brattleboro Memorial Hospital's 25th and Final Clambake & Auction was held on the hospital grounds on July 17, with more than 450 people coming out for this bittersweet goodbye to a very successful fundraising event that spanned 25 years - this year “netting” the hospital more than $45,000.
Many memories from Clambakes past were shared through photos and stories. A slide show of more than 500 photos from the past 24 years was exhibited for guests to view. The commemorative program book included old photos as well as quotes and stories of Clambakes past from a number of community members.
Highlights of the event included a spirited (and impromptu) bidding war for a 4 foot cutout of BMH President and CEO Barry Beeman – his wife Kathy was the lucky winner. A 25th anniversary cake with sparkler candles was lit to celebrate and recognize the many volunteers who have worked and supported the Clambake.
In thinking about this being the final event, Director of Development Ellen Smith said, “It is always hard to say good bye, even when you know it is time. The Clambake has been a wonderful community event for many years and it has brought together groups of people from throughout the area to support the hospital they love. It is sad to see it go, but it is also time to move on to the next chapter and next exciting event.”
Smith said the hospital doesn't yet know what that will be. “We will continue with the Giving From The Heart Gala in the winter and will be building on Touch A Truck (this year on Sept. 11), but we haven't made any decisions about what might replace the Clambake. We don't want to do an event just to do an event. We want to find something that all of the community can get excited about and we are still trying to figure that out…so stay tuned.”
Over its 25 year history, nearly 14,000 Clambake tickets were sold, and BMH has netted over $865,000 for various programs.
Guest emcee Trish Hain summed things up when she said, “While it is sad that this glorious event has reached its end, all who have been involved at any level over the last 25 years should take pride in the fact that you helped someone in their time of pain or grief by improving Brattleboro Memorial Hospital's patient care.”