Black Tie Bingo – Northern Lights Raises $266,000 for Guelph General Hospital
Black Tie Bingo, presented by The Co-operators and Meridian Credit Union, returned to the Village by the Arboretum for the 23rd annual fundraising gala in support of Guelph General Hospital.
It was another successful year, with a sold-out crowd of 432 guests, many new and returning sponsors, prize and event service donors, plus close to 75 volunteers, all coming together to net $266,000 – tying last year for the highest amount raised by the event. The proceeds will be used to purchase specialized bed systems for the Bob Ireland Family Intensive Care Unit, where our most critically ill patients are cared for.
“We raised enough money to purchase five bed systems for patients in our ICU. Staff will no longer have to juggle which patient will get the best bed. Now all of our ICU patients will be able to have their care on a bed that has incredible built-in technology to help them recover safely and more speedily, reducing the chance of complications like skin degradation and pneumonia” said Suzanne Bone, the Foundation’s CEO.
An event highlight was Fund-a-Need, where $67,700 was pledged by 75 donors within minutes.
“It’s inspiring to witness the spontaneous generosity from so many guests during Fund-a-Need” said David Halls, Chair of the Black Tie Bingo Planning Committee. “We’re grateful to every guest who raised their bid card in response to the needs of our fellow community members who need care at our Hospital.”
Every year, Black Tie Bingo is reinvented through a new theme that is brought to life through the creative genius of many. This year’s theme was Northern Lights and it was beautifully executed through creative marketing material designed by The Letter M Marketing and at the event, through efforts led by our talented event designer Kevin Malinski of Platters Catering & Events.
Guests had fun bidding on live, silent and online auction prizes; having photos taken on the red carpet and at themed selfie stations; enjoying an exceptional four course gourmet meal; and playing five rousing games of bingo.
Black Tie Bingo sells out every year. Those interested in tickets to next year’s Black Tie Bingo are advised to join the Foundation’s Black Tie Bingo email list.
At Guelph General Hospital, one of every two dollars spent on hospital equipment comes from a caring community donor.
That’s because not all essential costs are covered by government funding. Local communities are expected to contribute. The Foundation is grateful to all those who participated in this year’s Black Tie Bingo, for they help save lives and improve health, together with their community.
