Black Tie Bingo marks 30 years of impact for Guelph General Hospital
Guelph, ON – November 12, 2025 // The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital is proud to announce the 30th annual Black Tie Bingo, taking place Saturday, March 28, 2026. Proudly co-presented by Co-operators and Meridian Credit Union, the gala will return to the University of Guelph Event Centre, where guests will mark three decades of community generosity and celebration.
Since the very first Black Tie Bingo in 1997, which raised just over $13,000, the annual affair has become one of Guelph’s most anticipated annual fundraising galas. More than an evening of elegance, it has grown into a community tradition, funding urgently needed patient care equipment at Guelph General Hospital.
“This year’s Black Tie Bingo 30th anniversary is not to be missed! This year’s gala holds incredible meaning as we celebrate three decades of this beloved tradition, while introducing a new element with the Black Tie Bingo Afterparty at the Bullring, a venue that many of us remember from the 1990s as the place to go at the end of a night,” says Alicia Robertson, Co-Chair of the 2026 Black Tie Bingo and CEO of Lemonade Life. “Over the years, Black Tie Bingo has raised over $5.3 million, ensuring Guelph General has the equipment needed to deliver the very best care possible, close to home.”
A gala supporting the future of healthcare
Over the decades, funds raised through Black Tie Bingo have helped purchase essential patient care equipment – like patient lifts – as well as advanced medical technology. Proceeds from the 30th anniversary event will support Phase Two of the new community-based medical centre. As an extension of GGH, the medical centre expands access to diagnostic imaging services, including a second MRI machine. The centre will open early 2026 at the Guelph campus of Conestoga College.
“The collective impact of the proceeds from Black Tie Bingo will be felt across the community, with the expansion of Guelph General beyond our walls with the new medical centre,” says Mark Walton, President and CEO of Guelph General Hospital. “The construction and equipment for our new centre on Speedvale are 100% donor funded; further dollars are needed to support future expansion so we can continue to meet the growing needs of this community.”
Introducing the Black Tie Bingo Afterparty
New this year, Black Tie Bingo guests can keep the celebration going with an exclusive Afterparty experience. Just steps away from the main gala, the Afterparty will take place at the Bullring – the University of Guelph’s beloved ‘on-campus living room’. This cozy, shabby-chic venue has long been a place of community and connection. Soak in the nostalgic vibes as you cap off the evening with a live DJ, light bites and cash bar. The Afterparty is a limited, add-on experience available exclusively to gala guests for $30 in honour of the 30th anniversary.
Celebrating a legacy of volunteerism with the Inspirational Philanthropist Award
At the gala, the Foundation will celebrate this year’s Inspirational Philanthropist Award recipient, Ruth Thatcher, recognizing her legacy of volunteerism. Ruth first began volunteering at Guelph General in 1948 by helping in the kitchen and continues to be a part of the Guelph General Hospital Volunteer Association. From 1995 to 2002, Ruth served as a volunteer member of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital’s board of directors, giving of her time to launch the very first Black Tie Bingo and various other fundraisers over the years. A loyal donor and volunteer of the hospital for many decades, Ruth has also been an active member of Rotary Club of Guelph and St. George’s Anglican Church. With over fifty years of volunteerism at the hospital and within the community, Ruth is a powerful testament to the impact you can make by giving of one of your most precious assets: time.
Be a part of the 30th anniversary of Black Tie Bingo
Guests of the Black Tie Bingo gala will be delighted with fine dining, live music, silent and live auctions, thrilling games of bingo, and more. Tickets to both the Black Tie Bingo gala and Afterparty are available now at blacktiebingo.com.
