A local teen recently turned a $150 RBC grant into almost $13,000 in one evening and then donated the whole amount to the Lion's Head Hospital Auxiliary.

Seventeen year-old Brooklyn Hewton, a fiddler, organized and participated in the Bruce County Country Music Fest in Lion's Head in mid July, entertaining a crowd of over 600 for several hours of country and bluegrass music. Brooklyn was hoping to raise at least $5,000 from the event, and she more than doubled her expectations with a total donation of $12,700.

"The initiative, creativity and generosity of this young woman are an inspiration to us all. The Auxiliary, hospital staff and doctors are proud of Brooklyn, and would like to thank her for making a difference to healthcare in our community," said Sharon Winegarden from the Lion's Head Auxiliary.

Several months of planning, organizing and gathering donations from the surrounding community for the event all culminated in a wonderfully successful evening. Brooklyn's musical talent has been well known for several years, and she is often in demand to play fiddle at different events. This is the first time she has been not only one of the musicians, but also the organizer, and for her first production – it was a huge success.

The Lion's Head Hospital Auxiliary, which supports the local hospital, was out in full force to support Brooklyn with door and bar ticket sales, draws, and serving food. The Auxiliary has 54 members who work hard to fundraise for the Lion's Head hospital, and each year contributes approximately $70,000 to Grey Bruce Health Services to keep care close to home.

source: media release, Grey Bruce Health Services