Fine weather, generous donors, and a cruise to Highwood combined to raise funds for the Big Hill Haven in the 2nd annual Cruz 4 Her.

The Aug. 29 event attracted upwards of 30 vehicles and raised $8,000.

"That came from 72 different donors, and the event itself was just a great day," says Tara McFadden, Big Hill Haven's fund development and public relations officer. "The cars all lined up, the Cochrane Music Society was playing, and it was just a great day to raise awareness and funds for Big Hill Haven and help us get the resources we need to be there for our clients."

She says the community came together to support the event, with about 20 companies donating prizes. There were door prizes, a 50-50 draw, and a silent auction before heading out.

The starting point was Cochrane GM, the event's title sponsor.

"We have the mandate to support our customers and the community of Cochrane, and we can't think of a more worthy cause,"  says Rob Dzikewhich, Cochrane GM general manager.  "We look forward to future fundraising collaborations with Big Hill Haven."

Fundraising teams were encouraged and the Cruise Cochrane team topped the list, raising $1,135, followed by the Alberta ZR2 Club, Big Hill Haven Hill Board, Cochrane Jeepers, and Wheelin Dealin Deb.

McFadden says it wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of Jim Messner, of Cruise Cochrane.

"For the second year in a row, he stepped up and combined his passion for cars and making a difference in the community. We have so much respect and gratefulness for Jim and his work."

Messner was impressed with how Cruz 4 Her has grown into an event just a year after its launch.

"The most important is the funds that everyone raised. It was a real team effort, so that was great to see," says Messner.

"One of the things that I've always loved about Cochrane and has kept me living here is the people. That's the best part of it all, everybody getting together and helping out."

He's says everything's on the table for next year, and they may move up the date to earlier in the summer.

The Cochrane Cruise has a few more day trips left in the season. More details will soon be released on their website.

Cruz 4 Her