The Cariboo Memorial Hospital Foundation held another successful gala on Saturday, Nov. 16, drawing 100s of people and raising 1,000s of dollars.
"We raised $75,000 at our event with our auctions and two donations," said Tammy Tugnum, foundation member and one of the gala organizers.
An online auction, also raising funds for the hospital, continues until Monday, Nov. 25 with information available on the foundation's Facebook page.
Funds raised through the online auction will be added to the $75,000 already raised and after that Tugnum said she will have the final numbers.
This year's theme for the gala was enchanted forest and many people were inspired to dress for the occasion, including some donning elf's ears, leafy hair accessories, even wings.
Dozens of Cedar boughs, white paper lanterns and hundreds of white lights gave the Sacred Heart Catholic Hall a magical ambience.
In one corner there was an old-fashioned sleigh, perfect for photos.
Cathie Rossignol of CJ's Southwestern Grill and her team catered the meal, and Rotarians worked at the bar and selling drink tickets.
Aside from dining, the silent auction and live auction, Vancouver show band March Hare was there for guests to dance the night away.
Every year jeweller Geoff Bourdon of Woodland Jewellers designs and hand-crafts a piece for a raffle, to be drawn during the gala and all proceeds go toward the hospital as well.
Total funds raised prior to this year was $162,000. After selling out this year's tickets they reached $174,000. Geoff likes round numbers so he is donating $1,000 to round it up to $175,000 in total since the raffle started in 2009!
This year he created a green star sapphire cabochon and diamond pendant for a necklace with 18K yellow gold and platinum.
It was won by Kathy Rees.
Kathy told the Tribune she and her husband, retired physician Dr. Walter Rees, worked on the Cariboo Foundation board for many years.
"Walter and I have always fully supported all they do to raise the funds for CMH in our little community," she noted through messenger. "The foundation has always done its best to fulfill all the items on the “wish list” we are given yearly. We could not do this without the generosity, and donations from the people of Williams Lake.
"Even though retired, we both still consider ourselves members of the medical community.. and support all fundraising, financial support and donations for this charity. I am overwhelmed and very grateful to have had my name chosen this year. I will wear my necklace with pride."
To date the foundation has raised more than $4 million for the hospital to purchase necessary equipment.
