All are welcome to join the Black Tie Bingo fundraising gala for Guelph General

– Tickets are now on sale for one of the region’s premier events, Black Tie Bingo, a fundraising gala in support of Guelph General Hospital. The 29^th annual gala will take place on Saturday, April 5^th, 2025 at the University of Guelph Event Centre. All who wish to support healthcare locally are welcome to join the inspiring and fun-filled evening.

“Whether you are new to the community and looking for a way to get involved, or a returning supporter of this much-loved annual event, we want you to know that you belong at Black Tie Bingo,” says Julie Byczynski, CEO of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital. “By joining us, you will champion the Hospital’s nursing team in their delivery of exemplary care. Event proceeds will fund essential patient care tools that nurses rely on every moment of every day to provide high quality, safe and compassionate care.”

Returning for their 11^th consecutive year as co-presenting sponsors are Co-operators and Meridian Credit Union. These two organizations continue to join forces to support healthcare in Guelph-Wellington through their partnership with the Foundation.

Co-operators shares Guelph General Hospital’s values of inclusivity, respect, compassion and collaboration, and we are committed to continuing our partnership towards building strong, resilient communities, and actively supporting the health and well-being of the people living within them.” said Shawna Peddle, Associate Vice President of Citizenship at Co-operators. “We are proud to come back again as a co-presenting sponsor of Black Tie Bingo, and we welcome everyone to join us in raising funds directly supporting nursing teams in our local community.”

Aditya Vasudev, Regional Vice President, Business Banking at Meridian Credit Union also shared his enthusiasm for the event with his remarks, “Meridian Credit Union is honored to be a co-presenting sponsor of Black Tie Bingo for the eleventh year running. This partnership reflects Meridian’s commitment to all the communities that we are a member of. Supporting the Healthcare sector is an important part of ‘Meridian For Good,’ our corporate strategy which is focused on delivering on our purpose of ‘helping you achieve your best life.’ We are thrilled to continue supporting the Hospital in the remarkable work they do for the health and well-being of people in the region and to support their focus on providing the essential patient care tools that nurses rely on to serve the community.”

This will be the first time that the event will take place in April, and organizers have shifted the date based on feedback from the community. Guests will enjoy a red-carpet reception, an exquisite 3-course menu prepared by the University’s renowned hospitality team, silent and live auctions, live fundraising, four rousing games of Bingo and the opportunity to hear about the hospital’s most urgent priority needs.

Lending support is the volunteer BTB Community Ambassador team, this year led by Co-chairs and local business leaders, Andrew Anderson and Alicia Robertson, both past Chairs of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital board of directors

“This gala is the result of our community coming together to support the dedicated team at Guelph General. Our Co-Chairs, our Community Ambassadors and our night-of volunteers are all an integral part of pulling off such a large event. Donating time is a valued and meaningful way to contribute,” Byczynski shares.

For close to three decades, Black Tie Bingo has inspired the community to raise nearly $5-million in net fundraising revenue for Guelph General Hospital. This funding has been critical to purchase patient care equipment. From the smallest patient comfort tools such as a toothbrush, to diagnostic imaging equipment like the MRI machine that was replaced in 2023, all patient care equipment is funded by donations.

Last year, The Foundation introduced a satellite event called the BTB Soiree to open up more ways to get involved, perfect for those who prefer a reception format over a seated dinner. The Soiree will take place at the Spring Mill Distillery by John Sleeman & Sons, and for $95 per person, the ticket includes complimentary appetizers, a signature cocktail or non-alcoholic option, late night coffee bar, online access to the gala’s silent auction, and a fun bingo themed game with raffle prizes.

Gala tickets start at $375 per person, with a limited number of Deluxe tables available at $5,000. Tickets can be purchased at BlackTieBingo.com and a donation may be added at time of ticket purchase. Those interested in sponsoring, donating auction prizes, volunteering at the event or have any questions about the event are encouraged to inquire by email to The Foundation of GGH at [email protected].

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Media Inquiries: Elizabeth Stewart, Director, Community Engagement and Communications, The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital; T: 519-837-6422; C: 226-203-0374