GUELPH – The 28th annual Black Tie Bingo fundraising gala in support of Guelph General Hospital, presented by Co-operators and Meridian Credit Union, has expanded this year, offering a new choice for patrons.
In addition to the traditional sit-down dinner on March 2, the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital will offer a lively reception called the Black Tie Bingo Soiree at Spring Mill Distillery by John Sleeman and Sons.
This new Black Tie Bingo experience is being introduced to improve access to the highly-sought-after fundraiser.
Black Tie Bingo volunteer co-chair, Juliette Zhang explained, “To enable more guests to participate, we have partnered with Spring Mill Distillery to create the Soiree. This distinct new offering allows us to expand the overall capacity of Black Tie Bingo and provides an alternative experience to the gala dinner at a more accessible ticket price.
“Whether guests choose to attend the gala dinner at The Grand Guelph or the Soiree at Spring Mill Distillery, they should feel really good knowing they are part of a large group of community members who share the same desire to support Guelph General Hospital.”
At the Soiree, guests can enjoy live music, charcuterie and cocktails (with non-alcoholic options) and lots of unstructured time to mix and mingle with other guests.
The Soiree will include elements from the dinner gala, including access to the silent auction through an online platform, a Red Carpet photo experience presented by Danby Appliances, and a bingo-themed raffle game with prizes.
The raffle’s grand prize is an unrestricted travel voucher valued at $1,500.
“The enthusiasm we are seeing for the Soiree from the community is simply fantastic,” remarked Elizabeth Stewart, senior manager of community engagement and communications at the foundation.
“And this new Black Tie Bingo experience could only be made possible with a committed partner to host the event and we’re happy to have that in Spring Mill Distillery.”
Cooper Sleeman, director of sales and marketing shared, “Our team at John Sleeman and Sons is thrilled to be hosting the inaugural Black Tie Bingo Soiree at our very own Spring Mill Distillery. We take pride in knowing we are able to lend our support, and hope you’ll join us in doing so on March 2.”
Funds raised through this year’s Black Tie Bingo events will help support women’s health at Guelph General by funding the hospital’s identified patient care equipment priorities within obstetrics and gynecology, diagnostic imaging and family birthing, enhancing patient care for mothers, daughters, sisters, partners and friends in Guelph-Wellington region.
To date, Black Tie Bingo has raised over $4.5 million to purchase essential patient care equipment for Guelph General Hospital – from surgical equipment to IV pumps to specialized ICU patient beds, and even helping to fund the hospital’s first MRI scanner in 2007 and the new MRI scanner that replaced it last fall.
Limited tickets are still available for the Soiree at Spring Mill Distillery for $75 per ticket and the gala dinner at The Grand Guelph for $325 per ticket.
Tickets can be purchased online at BlackTieBingo.com.
Those interested in sponsoring, donating auction prizes or who have questions about the event are encouraged to inquire by email to the Foundation of GGH at foundation@gghorg.ca.
