CORNWALL, Ontario – The second annual One Enchanted Evening Gala expected to draw 350 guests down the rabbit hole and into wonderland at Nav Centre on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 13.
With last year’s Great Gatsby themed event setting the bar high, many supporters of the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation (CCHF) event admitted that their expectations were exceeded this year. After entering the gala through a keyhole door, guests were immersed in a grand room with fluorescent mushrooms exceeding 10 ft., Cheshire Cat smiles, mirrors, clocks and antique frames adorning the walls, as well as various other art installations inspired by Alice In Wonderland. Characters from the classic tale even greeted guests.
“Every year we change the theme. We don’t want people to get bored, so it’s all about reinvention, enjoying and celebrating the good health of our community,” said Amy Gillespie, Executive Director of CCHF.
Tickets to the high-end Halloween fundraiser were $95 and entitled guests to three drinks, dinner and other extra services such as palm readings. All guests were entered into a draw to win a key that would unlock a $4,000 ring from Pommier Jewellers. A 10 to 12-piece orchestra serenaded guests while they could gamble and participate in a silent auction.
“All proceeds that we get go to the urgent needs across the Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH),” said Gillespie. “Everything from upgrades to our Chemotherapy Unit to keep that service here, to cardiac monitors, mammography (equipment); really, the list never ends.”
Last year, the CCHF was able to net $63,000 in funds raised. This year there was no fundraising goal but the hope of raising as much as possible. Gillespie said she doesn’t think people always consider how the hospital never closes, so people are encouraged to support the equipment that is not supplied by the government.
“I think that sometimes we think we are a small town but we can think big,” admitted Gillespie. “I think tonight is an articulation of how much care people have for each other and the community. We have such a giving and generous community that we at the Hospital Foundation truly feel thankful that people are here tonight supporting our hospital. I am excited for this year and many years to come.”
Gillespie thanked everyone who made the evening possible, especially the talents of artist Richard Dancause who works at CCH.
“We benefitted so much from people donating their time and things they were able to give us,” said Gillespie.
