Annual South Huron Hospital Foundation Gala raises $550,000

Article contentEXETER – The 17th annual South Huron Hospital Foundation Gala was another big success this year, raising more than half-a-million dollars for local health care. Article contentThis year’s gala took place at the South Huron Recreation Centre on Friday, June 5, and foundation executive director Krista McCann said preliminary figures show more than $550,000 was raised for the hospital, exceeding the $475,000 goal. Article contentRecommended VideosWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from

our team.We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team. Article contentMcCann said the fundraising total made her feel both “grateful” and “reinvigorated.” “It’s the 17th gala, and every year you wonder if it’s going to fizzle out,” she said. “Year after year, the community shows that the hospital is a top priority for the community. And when you walk away higher than the goal that you set, you realize there’s no reason

to have doubt. When you ask of this community, they give.” The gala received a record $276,000 in corporate sponsorships, a figure that McCann said shows how vital the local business community is. South Huron Hospital Foundation executive director Krista McCann, left, reads out donations during the Gala on Friday, June 5. Photo by Scott Nixon /jpg, LA, apsmcThe evening featured a fundraiser called “Fund a Need,” a fun moment that sees how much money can be raised from the audience in just a few

minutes. This year’s “Fund a Need” saw $175,000 raised in about five minutes, tripling the foundation’s goal. McCann said the money will be used to fund the installation of a $150,000 secure room in the hospital’s emergency department that will be properly equipped to treat patients with mental health needs with dignity, while also ensuring the safety of staff. Article contentInstallation of the room is expected to start in September. The gala’s featured guest was Ryan Edwards, who is billed as “Canada’s Top Mentalist.” McCann

said Edwards, who regularly performs in Las Vegas, was received very well by the crowd of 630, and she said those in attendance agreed this year’s audience was the most engaged they’ve ever been at the Gala. “Canada’s Top Mentalist,” Ryan Edwards, looks for volunteers from the audience at the annual South Huron Hospital Foundation Gala. Photo by Scott Nixon /jpg, LA, apsmcOne of the evening’s highlights for McCann was the attendance of Bob Down, one of the original seven founders of the South Huron

Hospital Foundation, which formed in May 1982. Down is the last survivor of that group. “Having him in the room to witness how far the foundation has come, and the impact that it has on the community, was very meaningful for me, and I think the board of directors as well,” she said. “He continues to support enormously, so that’s quite a legacy that he has with the foundation.” McCann said the foundation has committed $520,000 to the hospital this year for top-priority medical equipment

and projects that will be completed by next May. In addition, she said the hospital is awaiting news from the Ministry of Health to see if its application for a CT scanner has been successful. If that project goes ahead, McCann said it will result in a minimum $4-million commitment from the foundation. “We are committed to making that possible,” she said. Next year’s gala is planned for Friday, June 4. “Stay tuned, because we will have exciting stuff to share,” McCann promised. Mentalist Ryan

Edwards is a frequent performer in Las Vegas. Photo by Scott Nixon /jpg, LA, apsmc Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : Owen Sound Sun Times Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

South Huron Hospital Foundation, gala, Krista McCann, $550,000, Fund a Need, secure room, emergency department, Ryan Edwards, Bob Down, CT scanner, Ministry of Health