People in the Lakeland are known for working hard at their industrial, agricultural, or service-sector jobs. But we love to leave the work clothes behind and put on our best for a good community cause.
The St. Paul and District Hospital Foundation held its annual gala April 5, and the Bonnyville Health Foundation gala was on April 12. Organizers from both organizations say the value of the events goes beyond fundraising.
Ron Wirsta, chair of the St. Paul foundation, said attendees got into the spirit of the “1926” theme and came dressed in western gear. The fun translates into community pride.
“It was a very good event. Everybody seemed to take it on really good, and we had at least 40 per cent of the people that came were dressed to the occasion,” he said.
“It was huge for the community. Really good to see all those people come out and support their community.”
There were 630 attendees at the St. Paul Curling Club for the gala, and about 45 local businesses stepped up as sponsors. The event raised more than $200,000 towards the purchase of a CT scanner for the hospital.
Dawn Weber, executive director of the Bonnyville Health Foundation, agrees with Wirsta about the community-building value of gala events.
“For us it’s important for the fundraising element, but it’s also important because this is one of our greatest awareness events. It brings so many people from the community together,” she said.
Weber said the Bonnyville gala probably surpassed last year’s fundraising total of $524,000. Funds will go to the construction of a seclusion room in the hospital’s emergency room.
“This year was the first time in 25 years that our focus was on mental health as an awareness piece for this gala,” she said. “We had live auction items that were earmarked to raise money for mental health.”
Wirsta says support for the St. Paul gala says good things about the community, and the foundation board is grateful.
“On behalf of the foundation we really want to thank the community for stepping up, helping start this project off and get it going,” he said.
Weber said she is proud the Bonnyville Health Foundation has earned their community’s trust.
“We’re just really proud of the fact that the community knows they can trust us to invest their donor dollars wisely,” she said.
Cold Lake gala-goers can look forward to the annual Hearts For Healthcare gala on May 3.
