Driving the Odds in Quinte Health’s Favor: $342,000 Raised for Cancer Care

The engines of generosity are roaring louder than ever! The 2025 Car4Cancer Lottery has raised an astounding $342,435 in just 67 days, breaking all previous records and directly powering urgently needed investments in cancer care and diagnostics at Quinte Health Belleville General Hospital.

Winner Announcement:
Kelly Gerow, of Brighton, ON, is taking home the incredible Corvette Grand Prize, while Diane Monds, of Hamilton, was the lucky recipient of the 50/50 Jackpot, claiming a cash prize of $34,985.

Hosted by the Belleville General Hospital Foundation (BGHF), Car4Cancer has become one of the most impactful charitable draws in Eastern Ontario—driven by tremendous community participation and a growing wave of support from across the province.

Nearly 24,000 Tickets Sold: A Growing Provincial Movement
What began as a regional fundraiser has evolved into a province-wide success, with nearly 24,000 tickets sold for the 2025 draw—more than doubling early expectations and expanding BGHF’s donor reach far beyond Quinte.

“This isn’t just a local fundraiser anymore—this is a provincial movement,” said Steven Cook, Executive Director of the BGH Foundation. “We’re seeing support from Ottawa to Windsor, and from the GTA to Northern Ontario. This growth is helping us invest more aggressively in the tools, technology, and frontline care our region desperately needs.”

Investing in Regional Cancer Care
Last year alone, Quinte Health delivered over 22,000 cancer care appointments, with demand increasing each year. The Foundation’s investments help ensure patients across Quinte Health’s catchment area—from Trenton and Bancroft to Picton and Nappanee—can access advanced diagnostics, treatments, and critical oncology support close to home.

Funds raised through Car4Cancer directly support the Dr. Douglas A. MacIntosh Oncology Centre and diagnostic equipment that includes digital imaging—ensuring local cancer patients receive world-class care without travelling to larger urban centers.

“At Peter Smith GM, we believe in giving back in ways that move the needle for our community,” said Matt Cassidy, Dealer Principal. “Leveraging high-impact prizing like the Corvette is a powerful way to raise awareness and funds—but at the heart of it is something far more important: helping to build a stronger healthcare system that serves us all, right here at home.”

“This is about more than horsepower—it’s about hope,” Cook added. “Every ticket purchased represents a commitment to better outcomes for families facing cancer, no matter where they live in our region.”

Hospital Lotteries: A Rising Force in Philanthropy
With traditional fundraising models evolving, hospital lotteries are now among the fastest-growing revenue lines in Canadian philanthropy. Nationally, organizations like SickKids, Princess Margaret, and Heart & Stroke have demonstrated the immense potential of lotteries to drive both donor engagement and transformational revenue.

BGHF’s own experience reflects this trend. The Foundation has more than tripled its lottery-related revenue over the past two years, demonstrating that mid-sized hospital foundations can thrive in this space with the right brand, strategy, and community connection.

“Lotteries are no longer just a fun sideline—they’re a cornerstone,” said Wayne Sheppard, Chair of the BGH Foundation Board. “This success shows that Belleville and Quinte Health are ready to compete on a bigger stage, and we’re only just beginning to unlock the potential.”

Next Up: The ride for Summer
The Foundation’s next Car4Cancer lottery launches July 21, featuring yet another show-stopping Convertible. Stay tuned to Car4Cancer.ca for your chance to win—and help drive healthcare forward in our region.