Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SaskToday.ca
MELFORT — The North Central Health Care Foundation is celebrating 25 years of supporting better health care close to home with an expanded fundraising gala this fall that organizers hope will build on the success of last year’s inaugural event.
The foundation’s second annual gala, Silver Spectacular: A Night of Stars & Cirque, will be held Nov. 20 at the Kerry Vickar Centre in Melfort. The evening will celebrate the organization’s quarter-century milestone while raising money for priority health-care needs across the region.
Founded in 2001, the North Central Health Care Foundation was originally established to furnish Parkland Place after Melfort’s new long-term care facility was approved for construction, said Executive Director Sarah Taylor. Once that project was complete, the organization continued under the direction of a volunteer board of directors. Last year, the foundation hired its first part-time executive director to oversee day-to-day operations.
“Our focus has always been, and continues to be, better health care close to home,” said Taylor. “We work closely with local facilities and care teams to fund projects that enhance patient care, improve access to services and support innovation across the continuum of care.”
Taylor told SaskToday that over the past 25 years, the foundation has funded several major projects, including furnishings for Parkland Place, the heliport at Melfort Hospital, a digital imaging system, surgical and endoscopy towers, and pediatric trauma equipment
The impact of last year’s gala is already being felt throughout the region.
The inaugural event raised more than $100,000, with the proceeds used to purchase new pediatric equipment and trauma care resources. The funding helped create a designated pediatric trauma room, purchase a pediatric trauma cart and provide additional equipment that is now helping health-care teams deliver specialized care for children and families closer to home, said Taylor.
Building on that success, organizers have made several changes for this year’s event after listening to attendee feedback.
Jennifer Peterson, event co-ordinator with the foundation, said guests can expect more tickets, additional dancing and expanded live media coverage throughout the evening.
The gala will once again feature local health-care professionals and community members taking to the dance floor, but this year they will be paired with local professional dancers as part of the evening’s entertainment.
Peterson said approximately 400 guests will be accommodated in the main gym for dinner, while another 150 people will be able to watch the performances from grandstand and bleacher seating. The foundation will also use the CJVR Performing Arts Theatre to provide additional seating with a live video feed of the event.
Peterson said organizers wanted to create an even more memorable experience after hearing overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees last year.
“Last year was amazing and really well received,” she said. “We plan to be better, more surprising. It will be a night to remember.”
While Peterson said they are keeping many of the evening’s surprises under wraps, they say guests can expect inspiring stories, entertainment, local performers and a full supper as part of the celebration.
Funds raised this year will support the purchase of essential medical equipment, furnishings and other priority needs at local health-care facilities that are not funded through the Saskatchewan Health Authority. The foundation said the specific fundraising priorities will be announced in the coming months.
Taylor said the organization’s success over the past 25 years has only been possible because of the generosity of donors, volunteers, businesses, community organizations and foundations across northeastern Saskatchewan.
“The Board of Directors is committed to being responsible stewards of every contribution, ensuring funds are managed with transparency, accountability and in accordance with donor intent,” she said.
Businesses are also being encouraged to sponsor the event. This year’s sponsorship program includes expanded recognition through live on-location broadcasts, along with digital and social media coverage, providing greater exposure before, during and after the gala.
Tickets go on sale Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. through Eventbrite. Organizers expect another sellout after last year’s event and are encouraging those planning to attend to purchase tickets early.
Additional information about sponsorship opportunities is available by contacting the North Central Health Care Foundation.
