Be ready to be swept away.
It’s time for the annual Bonnyville Health Foundation Gala, an event that has been sold out for months.
“They sold out three weeks earlier than usual, right before Christmas,” expressed co-chair of the gala committee and director for the Bonnyville Health Foundation Board Mandy Davey. “The hype is kind of there, and the community is very supportive which has been awesome.”
On Saturday, Feb. 16, attendees will be transported with this year’s theme: Escape to the Vineyard.
The evening starts at 5 p.m. at the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre with cocktails and appetizers, followed by a meal. A silent auction is open throughout the night, and a live auction kicks-off after dinner. Speeches, cheque presentations, and a dance is scheduled to follow.
In the past, the gala has aimed to raise funds for a particular machine or project, where the money goes from this year’s event will be determined by the Bonnyville Health Centre.
“There’s been a lot of changes with the hospital, and that’s why we’re focusing on the greatest need. In the past, it’s been a specific item,” detailed Davey.
All of the funds raised stay within the community, and go toward purchasing state-of-the-art equipment or assisting with projects around the hospital.
Courtney Pitcher, administrative assistant for the Bonnyville Health Foundation, noted the funds raised have been crucial in the past.
“There’s been instances where we weren’t able to get equipment and (needed) emergency funding. We had to do a request to the board to see if they would financially support the equipment that was needed... It’s important for all departments, and the money raised is for the (hospital),” she said.
It’s an evening that everyone looks forward to.
“We get people asking for tickets way before they even go on sale, and a lot of the businesses and community members are very supportive. They always donate to the cause, and want to sponsor the gala,” Pitcher said.
Davey noted, “Without the community support, there’s no foundation and there’s no funding for those things that are needed in (urgent) care or the emergency department. The community is everything. Without their support, there’s no way to help (the hospital).”
For over 20 years, the hospital galas have been a night to remember.
“You can’t even compare them to a city function. They’re top of the line, and everyone has such an amazing time,” Davey exclaimed.
While this is their major fundraiser for the year, the hospital is open to donations year-round.
