By Katie Ryan
They have all the right ingredients for a glamourous evening – complete with the glitz and charms of old Hollywood. The Lloydminster Region Health Foundation is rolling out their red carpet for the 10th annual Intimate Evening with the Health Foundation Gala on Nov. 5 and organizers promise it will be a night to remember.
“It’s going to be a dazzling, black and white, glamourous night with elements of red and an old Hollywood type of aspect to it. It will be really elegant and very tasteful, just a real experience for all of our attendees,” said LRHF executive director Georgina Altman, who has been involved with foundation’s galas since day one.
“We’ve had really great response, right from the beginning. Our very first year featured Jann Arden and bringing her to town was really an exciting thing for everybody. Also, doing a big project for the hospital was the first time we had approached it in that manner and it was well received. It was exciting for everybody and it has just really grown and become more complex year after year.”
To date the galas have raised in excess of $880,000 and this year the goal is to raise $150,000, which if achieved will put the net proceeds raised through all of the 10 galas to over $1 million for health care enhancements in the community. Benefiting this year from the gala is the Heart Health Initiative, which the foundation is striving to enhance with new programs and high tech equipment to support those at the risk of heart attacks or stroke.
“We are really excited to be working closely and looking at programs and equipment that will make a difference on the ground and provide some impact for all of our residents as soon as possible,” said Altman.
The foundation is pulling out all of the stops this year with a black and white glamour theme to celebrate their milestone. The stylish night will be headlined by renowned Canadian songstress Jully Black, a JUNO award winner and eTalk celebrity reporter.
“It’s amazing to me because there are so many creative people involved with this project that they are just taking it all to the next level yet again. I wish I could take credit for that but I can’t,” Altman said with a laugh. “I’ve had people tell me they are already looking for gowns and I think you will see our guests dressed up, taking it up a notch that way.”
LRHF’s galas have been selling out since the third year it was held and have continued to with the sell out point occurring earlier each year.
“We had people calling us three months ago to reserve tables for this year’s event,” said Altman, adding as of press time half of the tables for this year’s event are already spoken for.
“Ten years is a big landmark and to have 10 very successful years in a row has been great. It’s amazing to see it to continue to grow. We’ve had many supporters who have been on board with us from the beginning and they’re thrilled to be here again, support it again and continue to make a difference.”
The gala features a silent and live auction with auctioneer Danny Hooper, full course meal and more. Tickets for the “million dollar gala” are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 306-820-6161.