Dozens of the Semiahmoo Peninsula’s movers and shakers helped raise more than $200,000 for Peace Arch Hospital’s emergency room at the annual Partners in Caring Gala last weekend.
Organized by the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation, 500 business, health-care and philanthropy leaders dined and danced at White Rock’s Centennial Arena May 4 for the annual black-tie event MCed by television personality Mark Madryga, netting $218,000, up from last year’s total of $165,000.
The staggering amount was a testament to the support the hospital receives from the community, the foundation’s executive director said.
“Every year, we have a difference need that we share with the members and guests. This year, we focused on the need to rebuild the ER,” Jackie Smith said. “We had members of the ER team in the room with us, and when they were introduced in their scrubs… guests gave them a standing ovation.
“It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you have lots of community support behind you and a need the community realizes is important for all of us.”
Presented by title sponsor National Bank Financial, the hospital’s primary fundraising event included a number of high-ticket auction items, including a cooking class and dinner for 12 with celebrity chef Vikram Vij at South Surrey cookware store Kitchen Therapy. The auction item proved to be popular, resulting in a bidding war between three tables, with the winner shelling out $8,100 for the class.
Another highlight, Smith noted, was the surprise last-minute donation of 16 tickets in a VIP box for the July 31 Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z concert, donated by BC Lions president Dennis Skulsky.
“It was a great surprise. In fact, all the items at the silent auction, the live auction and in the mystery boxes were all donated from the community. It really speaks to what’s possible when a passionate group of people come together for something really important,” Smith said.
Funds raised will go towards a significant redevelopment project for the hospital, currently in its planning stages. The business case is set to be presented to government before the summer, and once approved, the project will be shared with the public, Smith noted.
“It’s really, really exciting. The ER project is just one of the projects within that redevelopment plan,” she said.
The night was also a major celebration for the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation, which marked 25 years of fundraising for the hospital at the gala.
“We have to say thank you, to all who support our foundation throughout the year. We truly can’t make the investments we do and move health-care forward the way our foundation means to without the support,” Smith said.
Since 1988, the foundation has raised more than $90 million for the hospital.
