MOUNT FOREST – Nearly 450 people attended the first annual Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation’s “Helping Lives Bloom” Gala on June 14, at the Mount Forest Sports complex to celebrate the Louise Marshall Hospital redevelopment.
The event raised more than $179,000 in support of North Wellington Health Care – Louise Marshall Hospital.
Organizers attribute this success to a dedicated committee of board members, as well as a team of tireless community volunteers, including Shannon South, the Louise Marshall Hospital Auxiliary, the Mount Forest Air Cadets and staff from Kindred Credit Union.
With such a gala being months in the making, the LMHF extended a special thank you to Deb Hewson for her many hours of hard work and her commitment to bringing the gala to life.
Bloom Gala – (Around the table, from left): Jen Bruce, Tony Moore, Patricia Moore, Kate Rowley, Dr. Chris Rowley, Bev Fettes, Marlene Markle, and Tobey Bruce.
Submitted photo
LMHF director Brian Plume stated, “The volunteers were awesome of course, but also the community support was fantastic! Just remember… we just finished a major capital campaign, and then we turned around and raised $179,000! Wow!”
In addition to funds raised through personal and corporate donations, and both live and silent auctions, $3,250 was raised through a “Flower Wall”, where gala guests could choose to support a wish list of equipment chosen by hospital staff.
The artwork was created by Wellington Heights Secondary School student, Maria O’Dwyer.
The evening included live music by Britney Brodie, the Moore Family Band, Norine Broomhead and Daphne Rappard, as well as a presentation by North Wellington Health Care president and CEO Stephen Street, in which he outlined the current plan for the redevelopment and expansion of Louise Marshall Hospital.
Preparations have already begun for the LMHF’s second Gala, “Above the Clouds,” with the date set for June 19, 2020. Tickets go on sale soon, and can be reserved by calling the LMHF office at (519) 323-3333 ext.2750.
