The Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation's gala evening Saturday was a sold out and successful event.
(STACY PAVLOV / iNFOnews.ca)
May 14, 2019 - 5:23 PM
Overwhelming community support resulted in a successful Smooth Operations Gala and enhanced medical care in the North Okanagan.
On May 11, a sold-out crowd of 240 people attended the gala, which raised over $100,000. The gala is part of OPERATION: Surgical Care for Life, a campaign which aims to reduce hospital wait times, increase surgical capacity and improve patient outcomes.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the gala and how residents and businesses from throughout the region rallied to ensure we continue to have state-of-the-art health care right here at home,” said Kate McBrearty, Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation interim executive director.
The gala was held at the Vernon Lodge and the title sponsor was Subway Vernon, with Bannister GM serving as the VIP room sponsor. %%image2%%
“Without the support of all of our sponsors, the Smooth Operations Gala would not have been possible. I am always impressed with the generosity of our local business community and their willingness to give back in such a meaningful way,” said McBrearty.
iNFOnews.ca was one of those local businesses who generously donated a 13-week advertising campaing worth $3,575 to the evening's silent auction. The highest bidder will receive an advertising campaign on iNFOnews.ca including design work.
Event and sponsorship coordinator Stacy Pavlov says providing such a donation to help support our local hospital is very important to iNFOnews, as we or someone we love will all at some point need access to timely surgical care.
McBrearty also acknowledged the hard work of the gala committee, volunteers and foundation staff, who spent countless hours planning the gala and working behind the scenes to provide a unique experience for the quests.
The evening included truly unique prizes to entice guests, including a live auction with Bob Woodman. Among the items on the auction block were golf packages, kayaks, wine tours and a stock your bar package donated by the Wine Women and Woods Alumni.
In the VIP room, there was an hour of special tasting stations and appetizers, as well as a meet and greet with Dr. Paul Dooley, orthopedic surgeon & perioperative lead at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. The evening’s entertainment was provided by The Underground Circus and they amazed the crowd with balancing acts and juggling.
“After five years of fundraising, between Wine Women & Woods and this gala, I am overwhelmed by the generosity of this fine community we live in. Time and time again when asking for donations, businesses are always happy to support our endeavors. We are so lucky to call Vernon our home. Thank you to my committee and the support of the foundation for such a successful event. I look forward to next year!” says Stacey Donison, Chair of the Smooth Operations Gala Committee.
VJH Foundation continues to raise funds for Operation: Surgical Care for Life. “We look forward to the ongoing support of North Okanagan residents and businesses. Together, we are making a difference in our community,” said McBrearty.
To contact our events coordinator, email Stacy Pavlov or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.