Council here will be providing nearly the equivalent of $3,000 in support for the 2010 Palmerston Hospital’s Starlight Gala.
Minto Recreation Director David Stonley recommended councils approve a donation request from the Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation.
In his report to council, Stonley said the foundation operates in Palmerston and has held past functions at Palmerston and Harriston community centers.
“They are requesting that the additional 25% grant above the usual 20% of the bar proceeds the organization receive be donated, as well as the arena and curling club floor rentals.”
He added that the foundation provides a good service to Minto residents.
The values of the facility rentals and donations are as follows: Palmerston arena and curling floor rental, $750; auditorium and kitchen, $375; set up fees, $200; and, 25% council grant (subject to bar sales) $1,630 (based on 2009 figures).
In a letter to council, foundation president Dave Huntley stated the foundation and over 50 volunteers are preparing for the 10th annual Starlight Gala on May 29.
“In 2001, a group of hospital staff had a dream. They believed that a viable community hospital contributes to the well being of its area residents in so many way. They wanted to underline their commitment to maintaining a high standard of health care, but more importantly, also emphasize that they were neighbours, friends and peers. They cared about the community as well as their hospital.”
The gala has now surpassed $1-million raised in support of the Palmerston hospital.
In order to defray some the costs for the rental of both the arena and the curling club, the foundation asked that Minto to approve the grant request.
This year, there is a combined $200,000 equipment need in the operating and emergency rooms, the lab, dietary and in patient services.”
Huntley said, “Meeting this goal will allow our hospital to maintain a high standard of patient care.”
Earlier, councillors put off the requests until a more complete request from the group was submitted. Previously, the foundation had submitted each portion of the grant and donation request separately, but councillors wanted to see the full impact.
But councillors had little additional input as they endorsed the request.
Deputy-Mayor Judy Dirksen noted the event alternates between Harriston, Palmerston and Drayton facilities.
