GUELPH – Women’s healthcare received a boost on March 2 as the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital’s 28th annual Black Tie Bingo raised $339,000 for the cause.
Presented by Co-operators and Meridian Credit Union, the gala secured the net proceeds in response to Guelph General Hospital’s current equipment priorities within obstetrics and gynecology, diagnostic imaging and family birthing.
The funds were raised by two simultaneous fundraising events: a fundraising gala dinner at The Grand Guelph and a newly introduced Soiree at Spring Mill Distillery by John Sleeman and Sons.
The dual format offered a wider range of ticket prices and also allowed Black Tie Bingo to attract a record number of participants.
Through the two events, close to 600 sponsors, guests and volunteers took part.
In addition to ticket sales and sponsorship, the funds were generated through silent and live auctions, a sweepstakes raffle and a whirlwind of live fundraising led by auctioneer Robert Milburn when $113,000 was donated by gala guests in just 15 minutes.
During the events, guests learned about the importance of equity in healthcare.
One of the gala attendees, Dr. Nancy Dzaja, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology for Guelph General Hospital stated, “I feel proud to work in an organization that values inclusivity and is making an effort to prioritize women’s health initiatives. It was inspiring to see so many people in our community coming together to support and celebrate women’s health.”
In addition to dozens of logistics volunteers, returning gala co-chairs Lynda Murray and Juliette Zhang led a cadre of community ambassadors, who over the past several months volunteered their time to assist with planning, fundraising and marketing.
Paul Osborne, past chair of the foundation, served as host and emcee and called four rounds of bingo where gala guests competed to the grand prize of a $3,000 unrestricted travel voucher.
Mark Walton, CEO of Guelph General Hospital, stated, “Events like this underscore the important of partnerships as we strive to fulfil our mission of exemplary and equitable care for and with our community.”
Walton added, “I extend a heartfelt thanks for the generous show of support… that will fund all the patient care equipment and technology we had prioritized to improve women’s health services at our hospital.”
During the gala dinner, the foundation also announced the 2024 recipient of the Inspirational Philanthropist Award, which was presented to Bob Ireland, founder of Guelph Manufacturing Group.
Ireland was recognized with a standing ovation for his outstanding contributions through business, philanthropy and volunteerism in support of Guelph General as well as numerous other causes in the Guelph community, especially through his service to the Rotary Club of Guelph.
Hospital foundation CEO Julie Byczynski remarked, “It’s possible that many in our community don’t know about the impact Bob Ireland has had on our city or the decades he spent volunteering and raising money not only for our hospital and for healthcare, but for countless projects and causes. With this award, we aim to highlight those contributions so that others might be inspired to follow his lead.”
Over its 28 year history, Black Tie Bing has funded everything from surgical and diagnostic equipment to IV pumps and vital signs monitors to specialized ICU patient beds.
The foundation invites all community members to learn more about the Inspirational Philanthropist Award recipient Bob Ireland, by visiting https://gghfoundation.ca/inspirational-philanthropist-award.
