The Bonnyville Health Foundation raised over $200,000 at the 15th annual health gala, funds that will be used to purchase a portable ultrasound machine and vein viewer.
The evening's theme was "A night in Paris," or "Une Nuit a Paris," which included Eiffel Tower centrepieces, the "Arc de Triomph," breads, cheeses, wines and French cuisine.
A number of doctors, councillors and other community leaders attended the event, including Genia Leskiw, MLA Bonnyville - Cold Lake; Bonnyville Mayor Ernie Isley; Roy Doonanco, chairman of the Bonnyville Health Foundation and new Wildrose candidate for Bonnyville - Cold Lake.
"This ultrasound machine can allow the emergency physicians to check patients for major internal trauma and also basic assessments and this will help to determine who we need to send to Edmonton and how quickly and who we can safely treat in our facility," said Dr. Guy Lamoureaux, chief of staff at the Bonnyville Health Centre.
Lamoureaux said an ultrasound is currently available to the hospital but use is restricted to Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
He said such equipment is "extremely limited" in rural communities like Bonnyville and access to a portable ultrasound machine would be beneficial for the hospital and its patients.
"The second piece of equipment we want to purchase is a vein finder," he continued. "It actually helps to see veins under the skin that you wouldn't be able to see with the naked eye."
Lamoureaux said he is extremely thankful for all of the community support for the Bonnyville Health Centre.
"I want to start off tonight by thanking you, the citizens of Bonnyville and surrounding district, for your unrelenting support for the Bonnyville Health Centre," he began in his speech. "Your generosity year after year has allowed us to expend and refine medical services offered in our community."
This year's biggest donation came from Devon Canada, in the amount of $50,000, with B&R Eckles following with a donation of $25,000.
Some local sponsorships worth noting were a cheque from the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs worth $10,410, which was raised by auctioning off jersies following a game, as well as a donation of $4,275 presented by Cassandra Michalyk from the Bonnyville 4-H Beef Club.
In total, Vic Sadlowski, member of the Bonnyville Health Foundation and master of ceremonies for the evening, said they raised between $240,000 and $260,000.
"I am continually amazed at how generous the people are with their donations," said Roy Doonanco, chair of the Bonnyville Health Foundation Board, stating the importance of giving back to the community.
"It's important for us to recognize our medical people, all of our medical people, not just our doctors, all of our medical people," said Town Coun. John Irwin.
He said this year's gala once again brought out a number of supporters and community engagement.
"The community gets behind it 110 per cent and everybody comes out and has a good time."
Isley said the gala is "a very worthwhile cause" and thanked the foundation for all their hard work and dedication for the Bonnyville Health Centre.
Carla Sobolewski won the grand prize of the evening: an eight-day trip to Paris.
"Yahoo! I hoped I would win," said Sobolewski, who said she has never been to Paris before. The first thing she plans to do?
"Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower!" she said, excited. "And go shopping! I'm so excited. I can't wait!"
The gala took place at the C2 on Saturday, Feb. 18, starting at 5 p.m.
Isley Oilfield - $250
Quinn Contracting - $400
Demers Insurance - $500
Band Donation - $850
Kal Tire - $1,000
BFL Energy Services - $1,000
Cabana Construction - $1,000
Strad Energy Services - $2,500
Alta Gas - $2,500
Techniques: Tammy Herbert - $2,700
Bonnyville 4-H Beef Club - $4,217
Enbridge - $5,000
Pengrowth - $5,500
Tercier Motors - $10,000
Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs - $10,410
CNRL - $15,000
LCU - $15,000
Festival of Trees - $16,000
B&R Eckles - $25,000
Devon Canada - $50,000