For Immediate Release
Tuesday, March 23, 2015
Health Foundation’s Victorian Spring Fling raises $175,000 (net) for community health care
Fort McMurray, Alberta – Guests were dressed to impress at last Saturday’s Victorian themed Spring Fling, presented by Syncrude Canada Ltd. in support of the Northern Lights Health Foundation.
Guests enjoyed the evening’s comedic emcee and auctioneer; Danny Hooper, music by the Belle Epoque Quartet, waltzing by guests, a chef- inspired dinner, and live and silent auction while exploring Fort McMurray’s newest event venue, Shell Place! “We were thrilled to showcase the beautiful Shell Place Ballroom at our annual Spring Fling gala,” said Jessica Musycsyn, Events Manager of the Northern Lights Health Foundation. “We offered valet parking to guests this year, which was a well-received addition to the event.”
Susanne Chaffey, Executive Director of the Health Foundation appreciates the opportunity to bring Health Foundation supporters together with the local health care team every March. “In light of the current economic conditions, we were overwhelmed with the number of companies and individuals who chose to invest in local health care through the event,” said Chaffey. “We took extra measures to control expenses for the event to ensure a greater return on our investment- resulting in more impact on health services and programming.”
“We are thrilled with the success of the event. Funds raised will touch many different areas of health care and impact the lives of patients, families and health care providers in Wood Buffalo,” said Paul Taylor, Board Chair of the Northern Lights Health Foundation.
The “Wildcard” portion of the evening gave guests the opportunity to donate last minute items to the live auction. Wildcard items included; two helicopter tours, jet boat excursion, tickets to the Country Music Awards in Texas and more! Wildcard auction items contributed to $63,000 raised by the live auction alone.
The Health Foundation’s “Fund a Need” item for this year’s Spring Fling was a Pulse Oximeter for the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre. The Pulse Oximeter provides health care providers the means to monitor a patient’s pulse and blood oxygen.
Markaz Ul Islam, a Muslim Congregation based in Fort McMurray, put a challenge out to the audience to match their gift of $5,500 towards funding the Pulse Oximeter. Lee Junlajeam and Kyle Taback of the audience generously matched the $5,500 gift and along with total donations from the audience, over $19,000 was raised!
About the Northern Lights Health Foundation
Established in 1985, the Northern Lights Health Foundation exists to provide funds to support health care priorities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. For more information, visit www.northernlightshealthfoundation.ca.
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For further inquiries, please contact:
Jessica Musycsyn
Events Manager, Northern Lights Health Foundation
T: (780) 791-6207
E: Jessica.Musycsyn@albertahealthservices.ca