Community unites at annual gala to champion local healthcare
Donors, sponsors and community leaders at last Saturday night’s annual Richmond Hospital Foundation Starlight Gala demonstrated their unwavering leadership to raise funds and champion high quality local health care in Richmond.
The sold-out event raised $688,000 (net), and attendees were urged to continue to press for a provincial funding commitment for a new Acute Care Tower at Richmond Hospital.
Richmond Hospital Foundation board chair Kyle Shury spoke passionately to this urgent need, thanking the more than 30 families and organizations who have already committed nearly $27 million so far to the project. He called on all in the room to do what they can to help ensure the province commits funding for the building now.
“The majority of these commitments are contingent on a provincial funding commitment, and a construction start date in 2020,” Shury said. “We need to act now. Our community is united. This is our time. Please do your part.”
New equipment purchased
As part of the fundraising at the event, donors for the “Leadership Challenge” portion of the evening responded generously and enthusiastically to help purchase a new, state-of-the-art nuclear medicine scanner to improve medical imaging for cardiac and cancer-related illnesses at Richmond Hospital. Donors’ collective generosity also helped purchase four new, state-of-the-art defibrillators to help patients who go into cardiopulmonary arrest and require emergency resuscitation to survive.
“The community of Richmond has come together to voice its strong support of Richmond Hospital. This is a community that cherishes high quality local health care and backs its convictions with leadership, action and generosity,” said Natalie Meixner, President and CEO, Richmond Hospital Foundation. “We have reached a tipping point as the demands of unprecedented population growth, including a booming seniors’ population, outpace our hospital facilities and equipment. We thank our donors, sponsors, volunteers and community champions for their collective leadership and generous financial contributions to ensure our hospital can meet the needs of Richmond now and in the future.”
The Tenors entertained
The Starlight Gala’s sold-out crowd included 400 guests and more than 200 doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who enjoyed an unparalleled performance by The Tenors, a Juno award-winning vocal group. The performance left guests deeply moved and spellbound as they showcased their charm and diverse vocal styles while speaking of their own experiences of receiving compassionate care at Richmond Hospital in years past, reminding everyone how important health care is to us all.
Over its 30-year history, Richmond Hospital Foundation has raised nearly $75 million to help purchase vital medical equipment, improve patient care services and upgrade facilities at Richmond Hospital.