For many, perogies are the ultimate comfort food, so it’s fitting that in the Comox Valley they were the theme for a fundraiser designed to bring comfort to causes devoted to local children and youth.

There was a full house at Randy’s Perogy Party last month, and organizers are sending thanks to everyone involved in supporting the event for making it such a success.

The event started off with an energetic performance by the Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers, a perogy dinner prepared by the Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society, and live music with dance party band The Impalas. The Perogy Party raised a whopping $15,000 for the Randy Wiwchar Legacy Fund.  The fund is now in excess of $50,000. The interest will be disbursed yearly through the Comox Valley Community Foundation.

The Randy Wiwchar Legacy Fund supports the development of local children and youth through their participation in academic, athletic, cultural, recreational, vocational, and other activities provided by non-profit organizations in the Comox Valley where funding is a barrier to participation.

Event organizer Rod Hunter of the Courtenay Centennial Committee said the party was only possible thanks to the support of local organizations, businesses and volunteers. “We’re so grateful for everyone that was involved in this event,” said Hunter. “Randy was devoted to our community, and projects or causes that were geared toward kids were especially important to him, either through his work at the City, or his many years involved in youth sport leagues.

“Randy always avoided the spotlight, but in his quiet way he managed to make a huge, positive impact on our community. This fund will ensure his legacy carries on forever. We can’t think of a better way to remember him.”

Randy was the City of Courtenay’s director of community services. He retired in late 2015 after 25 years of service, and sadly passed away in June 2016. The Randy Wiwchar Legacy Fund, formerly known as the Centennial Legacy Fund, was renamed in his honour to formally recognize Randy for his contributions to the City of Courtenay and the entire Comox Valley. Should you choose, donations can continue to be made to the Randy Wiwchar Legacy Fund through the Comox Valley Community Foundation at cvcfoundation.org

Events like the Perogy Party can only happen with the support of the community, and the Centennial Committee wishes to thank the following for helping make the event such a success:

The Rotary Club of Courtenay, Hockey Canada, Ambassador Transportation, Don McRae, Quality Foods - Comox, Gladstone Brewery, Billy D’s Pub & Bistro, Sharon Snider Photography, Matt Beckett at Coastal Community Private Wealth Group, Hot Chocolates, Courtenay Recreation, and Courtenay Dairy Queen.

On behalf of the Centennial Committee, Rod Hunter also expressed thanks to the City of Courtenay and staff for their support.