“Thank you Sir, You Helped Out.”
Six words written on a card with a lot of meaning behind them for a person who has helped raised millions for community projects.
Saturday was a celebration about the things we don’t know about Bill Patchett.
Patchett was honoured at CJ’s Tap and Grill on Saturday, September 15, 2018 in Cobourg.
But it wasn’t for the major projects Patchett has worked on over the years, it was for the things people may not know about him.
The event was organized by Joyce Lichtenberger who used to work for Patchett when he owned Midtown Mall.
“Today it’s not so much about acknowledging all the things we already know about what Bill Patchett has done for the community, but it was about acknowledging the things we don’t know.”
“People came to tell individual stories about what Bill has done for them when nobody else was looking.”
“The man has a huge heart. And as much as think of him as a fantastic fundraiser, he’s much more of a humanitarian than that.”
Lichtenberger worked for Patchett at a gift store when she was in her 30’s and the work ethic he instilled she carries on.
“He employed a lot of people at Midtown Mall and he taught us a lot about work ethic and being a part of a team. You couldn’t be a slacker, but you lived up to his expectations and you felt good about yourself for doing it.”
Looking back, Lichtenberger said she honestly didn’t think she had what it took to be a manager at the gift store.
“But he did. So I always felt who I am today, the confidence is because of the confidence he had in me. I tried to rise up to what he thought I could be.”
There have been numerous events over the past several weeks honouring Patchett.
“I think it’s wonderful and I tell my wife, how selfish I am because I truly enjoy what I’m doing.”
It was announced last week that after four years of battling, Patchett is cancer free.
Even at 79-years-old there is no slowing him down when it comes to fundraising.
He is currently working on raising a $100,000 for the YMCA.
“I really do get a lot of joy out of it. You can’t take it with you. I tell people we come into this world with nothing and if we can leave something behind, by changing the world and making it a better place, helping those in need, then we’ve done well.”
Patchett said the afternoon at CJ’s Tap and Grill was, “absolutely delightful and gave us a chance to raise a lot of money for one of the non-profit organizations.”
“A little push and shove is all I do. But if you don’t have a team behind you, you’re not going to be successful.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
