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For Brighton resident and Trenton Memorial Hospital nurse Kelly Gerow, her first time buying lottery tickets has paid off in a huge way – all while also contributing to better cancer care in the region.
Gerow won the grand prize in the Belleville General Hospital Foundation’s “Car4Cancer Super Draw” – a brand-new Corvette Stingray.
“This was actually the first time I’ve ever bought lottery tickets,” Gerow shared, as she went to pick up the keys to her and her husband Todd’s dream car at Peter Smith GM in Belleville recently, making for what was described as a moment of “pure joy.”
Gerow said it was always her husband’s dream – since he was seven years old – to own a Corvette.
“I had to give it a shot,” she said, when deciding to take part in the hospital foundation’s fundraiser. “When I got the call, we were away in Ireland, and I honestly couldn’t believe it.
“I just couldn’t wait to get home to see it in person – and when I did, wow, we were tearful.”
While tickets for the draw were sold across Ontario, in “a heartwarming twist of fate,” the winning ticket went to a member of the Quinte Health community – someone who spends her days preparing patients for surgery in specialties ranging from urology and cataracts to orthopedic and dental, said the foundation.
Gerow is described as a pre-operative assessment nurse at TMH.
The Car4Cancer lottery has become a major fundraiser, raising critical funds to enhance regional cancer care services.
This latest edition raised a staggering $343,000, bringing the foundation closer to its goal of generating more than $1 million from lottery proceeds in 2025 – a milestone that would mark a new chapter in donor-supported healthcare fundraising in the region, noted the hospital foundation.
“This program has become such a powerful part of our fundraising strategy,” said Steven Cook, executive director of the Belleville General Hospital Foundation. “It’s the perfect blend of community engagement, donor excitement and real impact.
“Not only are we helping to support local oncology patients, but we’re also making dreams come true for everyday supporters like Kelly and Todd. It really is a feel-good moment on every level.”
The foundation is crediting much of the program’s success to strong partnerships with local businesses.
General manager Matt Cassidy at Peter Smith GM said it was an honour to be part of fundraiser.
“Seeing the reaction on Kelly’s face – and knowing she works on the frontlines of our health-care system – was incredibly special,” said Cassidy. “We’re proud to be a partner in something that gives back to the people who give so much.”
The next Car4Cancer Super Draw is set to launch on July 21 – once again featuring another showstopping grand prize.
“We’re going bigger and bigger every time,” said Cook. “And we’re hoping that this is the year we cross the $1 million threshold.
“Every ticket purchased brings us one step closer to enhancing cancer care close to home.”
Folks can stay tuned via Car4Cancer.ca for a chance to win and support local healthcare.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
