GUELPH – The 25th annual Black Tie Bingo, presented by The Co-operators and Meridian Credit Union, took place March 13 as a virtual gala that was live streamed from The Grand Guelph to 369 guests.
Funds raised at this year’s Black Tie Bingo – In a Box are being used to fund technological advances in Guelph General Hospital’s vascular and breast cancer surgical program.
This supports the Foundation’s Together, We Care capital campaign priority of investing in new patient care equipment and technology.
“Yesterday morning it was my absolute pleasure to give the green light to Guelph General Hospital (GGH) to purchase two pieces of new technology to advance vascular surgery. This equipment will allow the vascular surgery team to provide even better care, while safeguarded from x-ray radiation,” said Suzanne Bone, CEO of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital.
Black Tie Bingo In a Box – Suzanne Bone, CEO of the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, left helped load gala boxes for guests in a drive-through event on March 13.
When Dr. Afshin Jahromi, Vascular Surgeon at GGH, was given the news, he responded with excitement and words of gratitude.
“Thank you! This is huge for us, our team, and patients. This new technology will significantly reduce the radiation risk to patients and everyone involved in endovascular procedures. Thank you once more,” Jahromi said.
A total of $261,850 was raised. This included revenue from ticket sales, sponsorship, live and silent auctions, less expenses. It also included generous $25,000 Together, We Care campaign gift from a Black Tie Bingo – In a Box guest.
With this result, the Foundation is over half way to funding the third piece of equipment, a special mammography machine that is used inside the operating room during breast cancer surgery.
“We are confident that donor support will mean we have this fully funded in the not too distant future, so that we can advance care for patients with breast cancer,” said Bone.
Every year, Black Tie Bingo is reinvented through a new theme, but this year, the pandemic forced the fundraising gala into a virtual event. Guests received boxes filled with everything they needed for an incredible at-home experience, including a gourmet four-course meal prepared by Platters Catering & Events. Guests were provided an online link to take in the three-hour live production that was made possible by Palmer Audio, a long-standing supporter of Black Tie Bingo.
“Every year, we are amazed by how willing our community is to support the hospital through Black Tie Bingo. This year we didn’t know what to expect because of the hardships that many have had as a result of the pandemic lockdowns,” said Elizabeth Stewart, one of the Foundation’s lead BTB staff members.
“The response was nothing shy of remarkable and we’re especially grateful to over 100 small businesses and individuals who dug deep to contribute to our live and silent auctions.”
The live and silent auctions generated over $60,000 of the evening’s total net revenue.
Black Tie Bingo has raised over $3.8 million in net fundraising revenue in its 25 years. Numerous pieces of essential patient care equipment have been funded through BTB over the years, and the lives impacted, exponentially greater.
Black Tie Bingo is always the first Saturday in March. Those who are interested in attending next year are advised to subscribe to the Foundation’s email. Go to gghfoundation.ca, scroll down to the Signup Now button located in the footer of the website.
