When a small but dedicated group decided in 1991 to raise money for the Palmerston and District Hospital, they had no idea their efforts would spawn one of the most successful annual hospital fundraisers in the province.
“We were really naive – we had no idea what we were doing,” Mary Lou Brown recalls with a laugh.
Now retired, Brown at the time worked in the hospital’s emergency department. She said a fundraiser at the Drayton theatre helped inspire the first committee of 14 to do “something special.”
Liz Ruegg, formerly the hospital’s Patient Care Manager, said the organization began during a nursing leadership meeting. While they knew the community wanted to support the hospital, she said members of the first organizing committee wondered if people would pay $35 for a ticket to the event.
They were and about $37,000 was raised by the 200 to 250 people who attended the first Starlight Gala at the Palmerston community centre.
“It was very cozy, but very exciting,” Ruegg said of the atmosphere in the building that night.
Mapleton Mayor John Green, also the chair of the hospital foundation at the time, announced that night the gala would become an annual event, which took the organizing committee completely by surprise.
“We almost tackled him,” joked Nancy McIsaac, original member and currently head nurse in the hospital’s operating room.
Added Brown, “We thought, ‘we couldn’t do this again.’ ”
But they did, and what started out as a staff committee eventually grew into a hospital foundation committee that now raises $140,000 to $150,000 at every gala.
Foundation development officer Gary Chard said in 10 years the galas have raised over $1-million and organizers expect about 600 people to attend this year’s event on May 29 at the Palmerston community centre. He thinks the gala has to be the best per capita hospital fundraiser in the province.
“It is quite phenomenal,” said Chard.
Everyone involved is quick to answer when asked what makes the galas such a success.
“The community loves their hospital,” said Brown. “It’s amazing how generous people can be.”
Said Chard, “The reason this works is because it’s for the hospital … people care.”
Part of the attraction, in addition to the cause, live entertainment and silent and live auctions, is the elaborate decorating that takes place every year.
Led by Richard Snider, a sub-committee of about 12 works tirelessly to transform the entire venue – whether in Palmerston, Drayton or Harriston – into a fantastical, themed setting.
Chard explained that almost every year organizers consider toning things down, including the dress, but that idea is always soundly defeated.
In all, with the decorating group, the core gala committee of about 15 and about 50 additional volunteers, including local firefighters who run the bar, close to 70 people help to make the gala a success every year.
“It’s quite an undertaking, but it’s so worth it,” said Adele Gibbings, chair of this year’s gala.
Dave Huntley, president of the foundation, said preparation usually starts in?December for the following year’s event. He added the volunteers on the gala committee are amazing people, which just adds to the positive feedback the gala annually receives.
“Some of us are crazy enough we’re still on the committee,” Brown jokes of the original members.
Even for those who now live elsewhere, the Starlight Gala remains a special event.
“Even though I’ve moved out of the community, I never miss a gala,” said Ruegg, who now lives in Orangeville.
Gibbings said over the years the crowd at the galas has gotten younger, “which is fabulous.” Organizers are hoping this year’s Japanese Tea Garden gala will be no different.
They expect about 12 to 15 items to be included in the live auction and upwards of 250 in the silent auction, with a large portion of both having been donated, as usual, by local businesses.
A trip to Las Vegas is up for grabs this year, and sure to be a hit again are the always popular celebrity weather reader on CKNX and the nurse’s draw.
Chard said the entertainment this year will be a little bit different, with a Vegas-style show featuring a Mamma Mia theme. Helen McFadzean, who catered the first ever gala, will be providing the hors d’oeuvres this year, with the main meal catered by Country Style BBQ and Catering. Desserts are prepared by members of the Palmerston Anglican and Presbyterian Churches.
Tickets for this year’s event are $75 each, but those still without one are likely our of luck. As of last week the tickets were sold out with a waiting list over 20 names long.
Those fortunate enough to secure a ticket don’t have to spend a fortune to have a good time either.
“There’s something for everyone,” said Ruegg.
Gibbings added, “It is the social event of the year … Others are just amazed at what we do here.”
