What will you see if you look through the eyes of a child? People in the Bonnyville area are about to find out.
The Bonnyville Health Foundation is busy preparing for its 20th annual fundraising gala - ‘Through the Eyes of a Child'. As it's been for the past two decades, on Feb. 18, 2017, as guests enter the Centennial Centre field house they will be taken to another world of extravagance and wonder.
“When they walk through the doors, 99 per cent of people's jaws hit the floor,” said Alex Smyl, site administrator for the Bonnyville Health Centre.
While the health foundation never fails to delight and amaze, the gala serves a greater purpose than just an evening of fun.
Since its initiation, the event has raised over $2 million. All of the funds go towards purchasing much-needed equipment for the hospital.
“The gala started up back in 1997 when we created a foundation here in Bonnyville with the purpose of (providing) education and equipment for the hospital and the community,” explained Smyl.
Over the years, the gala has remained an event completely run by volunteers from the community.
“If we didn't have the volunteers, this event wouldn't happen, end of story,” Smyl said. “We wouldn't have been able to raise $2 million, we wouldn't be able to supply the equipment to the patients we serve in this community.”
Last year's ‘Distinctly Diamonds' gala brought in over $200,000. With the money raised, the foundation will be able to purchase a Fluoroscopic C-Arm for the operating room, and ultrasound machine for diagnostic imaging, and a bariatric bed for acute care.
The goal for the 20th annual gala is to gather enough funds to purchase a bed-to-chair device for the operating room, a vital signs machine, and a Glidescope, which is used to look at a patient's voice box instead of just using the naked eye.
Smyl expressed that knowing everyone's experiencing “tight times,” they are always shocked with the level of support the gala receives.
“The community of Bonnyville is unbelievable. I have worked in many communities in my lifetime and there is not one even close to this community. The hospital belongs to the community and is part of the community.”
For more information on the Through the Eyes of a Child gala, or for tickets, contact the Bonnyville Health Foundation at 780-826-3311.
