THUNDER BAY — The 10th annual Ronald McDonald House Charity barbecue was held at Wayne Toyota on Thursday.
The barbecue supported both the Toronto and London houses and combines with the upcoming 25th anniversary charity golf tournament this September.
“I spent time there, back 10 years ago,” said Michael Marostica, dealer-principal at Wayne Toyota.
“It's also important to the whole family when you're down at the houses," Marostica said. "That's one of the big things — you're allowed to stay with your family, you're within walking distance, there are volunteers there actually cooking you meals and so forth, so you're not having to deal with that."
“We're very excited to raise money this year."
He said the goal is to raise $20,000 and believes over the last 10 years, the local fundraiser has netted the not-for-profit about $130,000.
"It's very dear to my heart,” he said.
When Marostica thinks of the support the barbecue receives, he said the word that comes to mind is "proud."
“I'm proud of my community for always stepping up and helping out. When it comes to children, we all come together," he said.
“When I was there, that was a big thing. You're definitely focused on why you're there, and not having to worry about where you're going to stay, what you're going to eat, trying to get a cab to the hospital and back — all those little things make it less stressful, and it really does help,” he said.
Alex Cryderman is the chair of this year’s Ronald McDonald House charity golf tournament.
“It's such a special place. It's heartbreaking, but it's also very rewarding and we're proud to do it,” he said.
Cryderman said he raises money every year for the houses.
“We give to Hamilton and Toronto, as probably one-third of their occupancy at any given time is from Northwestern Ontario.
“We never fail to break records every year when it comes to raising money. The community is amazing. It just blows us away that this is our 25th year,” he said.
The Persian Man has partnered with purple persians for all of August, with proceeds going to the charity.
The golf tournament's fundraising goal is $120,000, he said.
“I have a super committee, amazing people behind me that just go to the wall every day to make money for the kids at Ronald McDonald.”
Cryderman said he has a personal experience with the charity house as well.
“In 1999, my wife and I lost our little girl," he said. "We were asked years before if we would do some fundraising up here, and to do something to occupy our minds."
"We decided to see if we could start a golf tournament and phoned a few friends in business ... it's been nothing but a success ever since.”
