Residents escaped from the cold on Saturday, as they spent an evening in the vineyard at the 22nd annual Bonnyville Health Foundation Hospital Gala.
The Reid Field House was transformed into a breathtaking scene for the hundreds that gathered to support the local fundraiser.
“It was beautiful,” said Guy Vincent, board chair for the hospital foundation. “(The organizers) did a great job, as usual. It’s always well done, and it was no less this year than it has been in the past.”
After walking through a gazebo, guests were in awe of tapestries that hung throughout the room. Patio lights gave the ambiance of spending a summer evening outside under the stars.
Over 600 people attended what has been described as “Bonnyville’s most anticipated event of the year,” and they weren’t disappointed with what they saw.
“The gala sold out probably a month ago, which is a really good sign that the community still supports the cause,” Vincent noted.
Patti Skuba, foundation board member and gala committee co-chair, said, “Bonnyville is such a giving community, and we’re blown away every year. Every year, we always kind of wonder is this the year donations are going to be way down, or are people not going to buy tickets? They surprise us every year.”
Instead of raising funds for one particular project as the foundation has done in the past, donations from this gala will be put towards the greatest need in the hospital determined by the Bonnyville Health Centre.
“In the past, we’ve raised for specific items and when we do that the money we raise has to go to those specific items,” detailed Vincent. “We’ve done some of that in the past, and it works well. This year, to be a little more adaptive to the needs of the health centre, we just went with a general cause... Any money raised is still going to go toward what’s needed in the health centre, it’s just that we haven’t specifically identified those (needs) yet.”
Volunteer auctioneer for the live auction, Marc Jubinville, along with bid catchers, kept the audience entertained while selling off prizes such as a Banff ski trip, a portable neighbourhood firepit, and a romantic getaway for two to Lake Louise.
While they didn’t know their final numbers yet, the foundation was happy with the outpouring of support from the area.
“It’s whatever the community can give. These aren’t easy times in the community, so every dollar earned is great. We’re just gracious for anything that we get,” expressed Vincent.
Skuba added, “We’re blown away with the amount of money that was given by some of these companies... they’re still able to give the hospital a large donation. We’re beyond grateful.”
Vincent expressed his thanks to everyone who made a donation during the gala, and throughout the year to help with the projects at the hospital.
“The community has been 100 per cent behind us, which is really gratifying for the volunteers, and everybody who spends all the time to put on these events. When a community is behind you, that’s all we’re here for. (The gala) is our thank you for the support from the community, and it was great.”
To finish the evening off, guests danced the night away when Side One Entertainment hit the stage.
Vincent noted it’s a great event to celebrate the people who believe in their cause.
“It’s a good time to get involved, to contribute if you can, a good time to socialize, and it’s a good time for the community to get together.”
