Although a final total isn’t yet available on the amount raised at this year’s St. Paul & District Hospital Foundation fundraiser, the night was undoubtedly filled with generosity and thankfulness, as the organization worked toward its goal of raising $110,000.
Speaking after the event, Linda Kryzanowski, chairperson of the hospital foundation, said that between the live auction items and the individual presentations made by local organizations and businesses, $53,000 was raised, which pays for nearly one of the surgical beds the foundation hopes to buy with the funds.
Along with the live auction and presentations, the evening included a 50/50 draw, a raffle for an iPad, a large silent auction, and a few other methods of raising funds.
“We’re just very, very thankful,” says Kryzanowski, adding, the event at the Rec. Centre was sold-out, with a total of 320 tickets sold. “It was wonderful.” Last year’s event raised $109,000, which resulted in this year’s goal being set at $110,000.
Throughout the night, Kryzanowski was adamant about pointing out how important the support from the community and businesses were in ensuring the event’s success. Without the support shown, “we would not be able to help the hospital.”
The St. Paul & District Hospital Foundation was established in the 1990s to better coordinate and utilizes funds that were being donated to the hospital. The foundation has continued to work toward enhancing and maintaining patient care in town.
“All donations will stay in our community,” said Kryzanowski, as she spoke to the sold-out crowd on Saturday night.
Hospital Site Manager Michelle Blanchette also spoke to those in attendance on Saturday.
“Last year, we surpassed our goal,” said Blanchette. She explained that this year’s goal was to raise enough funds to purchase two surgical tables for the hospital. The tables help position patients, depending on the part of their body that’s requiring surgery.
Dr. Albert Harmse, the associate zone medical director, briefly spoke to the crowd also, thanking the community and volunteers on behalf of all the hospital staff and physicians.
“We know that Alberta is in for tough times,” said Harmse, referring to the current economic situation. He said that reduced government funds might make it difficult to access money for projects, which makes the amount raised at the fundraiser even more important.
“So, we thank you very much,” said Harmse, adding, “Dig deep in your pockets.”