NHH Foundation brings back its annual gala, black-tie style
By Cecilia Nasmith
After a two-year COVID hiatus, Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation is thrilled to announce the return of a popular annual tradition – the in-person fundraising gala.
On the evening of Nov. 5, members of the community are invited to come together for Gala 2022 – A Black Tie Evening to raise funds to support the purchase of life-saving equipment at NHH, and tickets (at $350 each) will be available as of 9:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 26.
The first annual gala was in 2001, crafted with a vision to offer an elegant evening for community members to gather for a premiere event in support of West Northumberland's local hospital (which would open in October 2003). Over the years, it has grown to be the foundation's most financially successful event, raising more than $3.5-million to date to fund the medical equipment so fundamental to offering modern advanced care.
Gala Chair Catrina Wood said the event has a reputation as “an innovative, elaborate and exciting evening. Our creativity will be on full display as we return with a bang.”
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the foundation to come up with alternatives to the gala that also showcased their amazing creativity – the 2020 virtual gala with the theme Caring Close To Home and last year's Galalicious fundraiser and on-line auction.
“The Gala Cabinet felt many in our community are eager to get back to normal – or as close as can be – and thought it a fitting year to revisit our origins: a formal evening to support the hospital. This is how we arrived at the 2022 theme of A Black Tie Evening,” Wood said.
As has become tradition Gala 2022 – A Black Tie Evening will include both a raffle as well as an auction. And this year, participants do not need to attend the gala in person to enter, bid or win either.
The traditional Doctors' Raffle (which typically offers a travel-themed prize board) has returned with a twist as the Should I Stay Or Should I Go Raffle. Ticket holders have the chance to win either a luxurious trip for two to New Milton, England, or a $5,000 Home Hardware Building Centre gift card. Raffle tickets are now available at $100 each or three for $250, and the draw will take place at the gala. To get your raffle tickets, visit www.NHHFoundation.ca/Events/Should-I-Stay-or-Should-I-Go-Raffle, or call 905-372-6811 ext. 3068.
The on-line auction goes live Monday, Oct. 31, and remains open until 2 p.m. Nov. 7. During this time, participants have the opportunity to bid on amazing items and experiences, including private get-aways, self-care packages, culinary delights, home decor, sports memorabilia and more.
For more information on the gala, raffle or auction, visit the foundation's website at www.NHHFoundation.ca/Events.
For more information about the event, or event sponsorship, contact Community Engagement and Events Specialist Melissa Alison at malison@nhh.ca or 905-372-6811 ext. 3068.
