Lac La Biche's Regional Health Foundation hosted its first annual Have a Heart Valentine's Gala in the Devon Room at the Bold Center last Saturday, bringing out a who's who of people in Lac La Biche County and raising at least $80,000 to buy a new CT
Lac La Biche's Regional Health Foundation hosted its first annual Have a Heart Valentine's Gala in the Devon Room at the Bold Center last Saturday, bringing out a who's who of people in Lac La Biche County and raising at least $80,000 to buy a new CT scan for William J. Cadzow hospital.
Zicki Eludin, the head of the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation, told the POST that 275 tickets had been sold by the start time of the event. Mayor Omer Moghrabi, MLA David Hansen and numerous county councillors and numerous businesspeople in the county were all in attendance.
The event featured music, food served by the kitchen staff of LaBones restaurant in Lac La Biche as well as a silent and live auction.
Kal Polturak, the treasurer for the Regional Health Foundation, said the response to the event was “tremendous.” Eludin further praised the generosity of the attendees.
“Tonight’ s event is supposed to raise $100,000. This in spite of one of the worst recessions that has ever hit this community,” he said during his speech.
Eludin told the POST as the night started the event had raised $80,000, but had yet to take into account money from auctions that took place during the event and other money related to the event that could have come through further donations.
Eludin also thanked members of the board of the Regional Health Foundation and others by name.
Attendees and donors who spoke -- including Moghrabi, Hansen, and others -- praised the work of the organization.
The organization has been active for roughly a-year-and-a-half, and was conceived in Oct. 2012 by an act of county council.
Eludin also said the organization is pushing towards $400,000 of the $855,000 its costs to buy a CT scan. The organization also contributed to hiring an ultrasound technician at Cadzow hospital, who Elduin said the technician is scheduled to come in less than two weeks.
To raise help raise the remaining money, the organization will also be running a calendar drive which will culminate in a draw at next year’ s Valentine’ s gala. They will also be hosting a golf tournament on July 15.
Eludin said during his speech that he hopes the organization can raise $1 million by the end of the year.
