Peace Arch Hospital Foundation is celebrating a record moment, following its annual gala fundraiser at White Rock’s Centennial Arena Saturday.
According to a news release, the gala “broke fundraising records when a staggering $1,016,709 was raised to support a new 73-bed mental health unit for our community.”
“All of us at the foundation are overwhelmed with the absolute incredible generosity that flowed throughout our event last Saturday,” Stephanie Beck, PAHF executive director, said in the release.
“This is a record beyond our wildest dreams and we are so thankful to our philanthropic community for their commitment to health care and Peace Arch Hospital.”
Last year’s gala raised $480,000.
Highlights of this year’s event, dubbed A Hard Day’s Night, included Beatles tribute-artists, The Fab Fourever, go-go dancers, British guards, an Abbey Road photo booth and the Queen of England.
The fundraising kicked off with the announcement of a $500,000 matching gift by an anonymous donor who was in the room, the release states. Guests then stepped up to the challenge, including past foundation board chair Art Reitmayer and his wife Marj, as well as local philanthropists Vern and Helga Höing, who each donated $100,000.
