Starlight Gala raises more than $350,000 for patient care
More than $350,000 was netted for Richmond patient care at the 14th annual Richmond Hospital Foundation Starlight Gala.
“We’re thrilled with the results of this year’s Starlight Gala and our numbers speak volumes to the importance that people feel for their local health services”, said Natalie Meixner, Richmond Hospital Foundation’s president and CEO. “With a 25-per-cent increase in net revenues over last year’s event, we’ll be able to do that much more to change the lives of patients in Richmond.”
The gala, which was held Oct. 13 at River Rock Show Theatre, featured 450 guests and included a tribute to Richmond’s medical and health care professionals, powerful patient stories and a special performance by The Canadian Tenors, including Richmond’s own Fraser Walters.
“The ability for our organization to bring in world-class talent with a local connection provides a wonderful opportunity to entertain while at the same time highlighting the importance of Richmond Hospital in a very real way,” Meixner said. “Taking that local connection one step further, The Canadian Tenors not only performed to rave reviews of our guests, they also made a point of visiting Richmond Hospital over the following days to bring cheer to local patients.”
A special Leadership Challenge was held during the evening to fund improvements to Richmond Hospital’s stroke rehabilitation facilities. The challenge was sparked by a stroke patient, Akber Dhanjee, sharing his inspirational road to recovery through Vancouver Coastal Health–Richmond. Akber’s journey inspired guests to change the lives of patients and give to improve Richmond’s rehabilitation facilities, including supporting items such as assessment and diagnosis tools, gym and mobility equipment, and everyday life tools that will help patients regain their independence.
“Studies show that the more quickly stroke patients can undergo rehabilitation after their stroke the more likely they are to recover faster and have better outcomes,” said Dr. Jonathan Fenton, Richmond Hospital’s senior medical director. “Thanks to the Foundation’s generous donors, we’ll now be able to improve our rehabilitation equipment in ways that will make a difference for our health professionals, stroke patients and their families.”
Since 1999, the Starlight Gala has raised almost $3-million for health care programs and patient care at Richmond Hospital and throughout Richmond’s health care services.
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