Hosted by the Peachland Lions, ladies from around the Okanagan glittered and glammed their way to raising more than $6,000 for the Kelowna General Hospital at the inaugural Divaѻýs & Diamonds charity gala.
A donation of $6,380 was delivered to the KGH Foundationsѻý events and projects coordinator, Bettina Muller, last week at the Lions club monthly dinner meeting.
ѻýWe are so happy to be able to present this cheque to the foundation," said one of the event organizers, Shelley Sweeney.
ѻýIt is important for our club to show our support for KGH in a relatively unique fashion.!ѻý
Indeed the ladies-only event, in which guests dressed in formal gowns and enjoyed libations from the Hatch Winery, was certainly a good time for the gals. MCѻýd by ѻý business columnist Maxine DeHart, the highlight of the evening was the giveaway of a diamond ring donated by J.K. Schmidt Jewellers, valued at over $3,000.
All proceeds from event tickets went to the KGH Foundation to support hospital patient care.
ѻýWhat an incredible gift youѻýve given,ѻý noted Muller as she addressed the group over dinner. ѻýBy working together, weѻýve turned a small, regional hospital into a centre for healthcare excellence.
"None of this would be possible without your tremendous generosity. Thank-you on behalf of the foundation and congratulations to all those involved with the Divas & Diamonds event, you have truly made a difference.ѻý
KGH opened its doors in 1908. At that time, there were only 19 beds. Over the last 108 years, the hospital has grown exponentially meet the increasing needs of an ever-expanding community.
In recent years, the hospital has expanded dramatically with the addition of several new buildings and departments including the state-of-the-art Interior Heart and Surgical Centre, an expanded modern maternity ward and psychiatry unites for both youth and adults.
While the health authority provides infrastructure funding, specialized equipment and personal care items are often funded by donor gifts.
ѻýIt is important to us to support the hospital,ѻý added Sweeney. ѻýItѻýs really a cause that benefits us all. We are already looking forward to next year!ѻý
The KGH Foundation is an independent, volunteer-driven charitable organization committed to enhancing the delivery of health care to the patients of Kelowna General Hospital and its associated facilities.