Black Tie Bingo – Experience Africa Raises $266,000 for Guelph General Hospital
Despite a large hurdle in the planning of this year’s gala, the 22nd Annual Black Tie Bingo set another fundraising record, raising $266,000 for Guelph General Hospital.
When the Foundation staff learned about a flood at the Village by the Arboretum just 10-weeks out from the event date that would force them to find a new location for Black Tie Bingo, they sprang into action to find a new venue– Stone Road Mall in the former Sears space. In the weeks following, they were met with a generous outpouring of support from many people and organizations to ensure the event’s success.
“After this year, we have an ever deeper appreciation and understanding of the commitment and generosity of our Black Tie Bingo Committee members, our sponsors, volunteers and guests who return year after year to support this event,” said Suzanne Bone, the Foundation’s CEO.
At the event, Kevin Malinski of Platters Catering & Events, Palmer Audio Event Services and Stone Road Mall and Primaris Management Inc. were honoured as ‘Black Tie Bingo Heroes’ for their contributions.
Following the event, David Halls, BTB Committee Chair commented, “Well, what an incredible journey we all just went through. Not only did we once again put on the premiere event of the year, we did so at a brand new venue and with several new staff. Everyone stepped up and went above and beyond. We just keep raising the bar. I can’t wait to see what we pull off next year.”
Watch this video produced by Stone Road Mall, showing the amazing transformation of the venue.
Funds raised through this year’s event will purchase three new laparoscopic surgical equipment towers with advanced 4K imaging. They will help Guelph General’s surgeons perform minimally invasive surgeries with higher precision and more quickly for better patient outcomes.
A record-breaking $52,300.00 was raised during the live auction which included several exclusive vacations and experiences, an exquisite custom designed dinner ring, and a one-year lease on an Infiniti QX80.
Yet another record broken this year was in sponsorships, with over $115,000 in cash sponsorships and over $150,000 in in-kind product, service and prize donations. Presenting sponsors The Co-operators and Meridian Credit Union increased their monetary contribution and also signed on for another three years. Returning gold sponsors The Letter M Marketing and John & Barbara Wood were joined by Palmer Audio and Guelph Infiniti this year. Stone Road Mall joined at the gold level as well as Site Sponsor.
The larger venue allowed for more guests, and while the team at the University of Guelph Hospitality Services and Special Events were cautious about being able to work out of the new location, they proved their ability to adapt and once again created a masterful culinary experience for the 449 Black Tie Bingo guests.
Black Tie Bingo – Experience Africa may very well go down in BTB history as one of the most memorable and successful events. But then again, the BTB Committee is quite devoted to creating new ways to heighten their guests’ experience each and every year.
Black Tie Bingo sells out every year and the Foundation is advising that the best way to get tickets is to join their new Black Tie Bingo email list in order to be among the first notified when tickets for next year’s event are on sale.
One of every two dollars spent on hospital equipment at Guelph General Hospital comes from caring donors. The Foundation is grateful to have so many individuals, organizations and volunteers who support their mission of saving lives and improving health, together with their community.
