A beloved summer tradition roared back to life this August, raising $7,500 for the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) Foundation’s Infinite Possibilities Fund. The annual Hot August Nights event, held every Tuesday at Webers on Highway 11, drew hundreds of classic car enthusiasts and generous donors in support of local health care innovation.
This year marked a new chapter for the event, with Oro Station Motor Circuit stepping in to carry on the legacy started by Jim and Pauline Pearsall, who ran the show for years with a dedicated team of volunteers.
Jim has known my father for years, and I knew the team at Webers, and I didn’t want to see the show end,” said Geoffrey Campbell, founder of Oro Station. “It is such a great gathering of passionate car enthusiasts in support of a good cause. We wanted to see it continue, so we stepped up to carry it on.”
Despite a few rainy evenings, the turnout was strong, with more than 400 classic cars rolling in nearly every night. Attendees enjoyed free ice cream vouchers from Webers, admired vintage vehicles, and took part in raffles and a 50/50 draw, all contributing to the fundraising total.
Honouring a Legacy of Care
The charitable heart of Hot August Nights has always beat for the community. Founder Jim Pearsall emphasized the importance of supporting OSMH from the beginning.
“The hospital's been number one ever since we started,” said Jim. “Tom, (owner of Webers) is a big believer in the hospital because everybody in this area uses it, everybody touches that hospital sometime in their life, so what better cause?”
That sentiment is echoed by Campbell, whose personal connection to the hospital runs deep.
“My son was born there just under two years ago, and we are two months away from our next one being born there. Soldiers’ Hospital has touched our lives, and we know it's supported everyone around us.”
This year’s event also paid tribute to Barry Bird, a cherished friend of Hot August Nights who helped launch the event and sadly passed away in 2025.
Looking Ahead
“We are deeply grateful to the Oro Station team, Webers, and the entire community who came out to support Hot August Nights,” said Perry Esler, President and CEO of the OSMH Foundation. “This gift will help us continue to invest in the future of health care in our region. Thank you for keeping this tradition going and for making a meaningful difference. We are already looking forward to next year!”
The Infinite Possibilities Fund empowers OSMH to invest in innovation, enhance patient care, and prepare for a new hospital.
To learn more or make a donation, visit www.osmhfoundation.ca
