For Immediate Release
Monday, March 21, 2016
The Health Foundation’s Spring Fling raises $175,000 (net)
for health care in Wood Buffalo
Fort McMurray, Alberta – Shell Place was full of bright, rich colours and patterns last Saturday as guests dressed to impress for the Spring Fling, presented by Syncrude Canada Ltd. in support of the Northern Lights Health Foundation.
Guests enjoyed the entertaining emcee and auctioneer; Danny Hooper, music by the Thom Bennett Quartet, featuring Mallory Chipman and DJ Q-Pid, a chef- inspired dinner, and exciting live and silent auctions. Most exciting, was the Health Foundation’s big announcement – the public launch of the $16 million Gratitude Campaign. This fundraising campaign is the largest in the Health Foundation’s history and is comprised of eight critically-needed health care projects across Wood Buffalo: Minimally Invasive Surgical Suites, the Multi-purpose Clinic, Palliative Care, Community Clinics, Health Centre Lobby, the Healthy Schools Initiative, Continuing Care and the Early Investments Project.
“The Health Foundation is so excited to officially launch the Gratitude Campaign! So many people here love this place and health care is so important to everyone. We can’t really take advantage of the opportunities Wood Buffalo offers us without our health,” says Susanne Chaffey, Executive Director of the Health Foundation. “Good health is really where it all starts and that’s why it’s so important that the community rallies behind this cause.”
“In light of the current economic conditions, we’re overwhelmed with the number of companies, organizations and individuals who’ve chosen to invest in local health care through Spring Fling,” says Melanie Antoine, Chair of the Health Foundation’s Board of Directors. “We took extra measures to control expenses for the event to ensure a greater return on our investment – resulting in more impact on health care in our community.”
The live auction portion of the evening raised $49,500! Packages such as The Fort McMurray Socialite with tickets to upcoming galas and events, the Private Martini Party for 20, from PRIME Social Kitchen and the Presidential Paradise Escape to Cabo San Lucas were some of the auction packages lucky guests took home.
Funds raised during the “Fund-a-Need” portion of this year’s Spring Fling will go towards the Gratitude Campaign projects. After the moving story of Jeremy Snook’s life was given by Susanne Chaffey and Dan Fouts, 42 pledges were made by guests in his memory, totaling $53,000!
Silent auction winners who’ve not claimed their prize(s) have been phoned. Pick up will be available Tuesday – Friday this week from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Northern Lights Health Foundation office in the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre.
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. The Health Foundation is proudly accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. For more information, visit www.northernlightshealthfoundation.ca.
About The Gratitude Campaign
The $16 million Gratitude Campaign is the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the history of the Northern Lights Health Foundation. The Campaign is comprised of eight projects: Minimally Invasive Surgical Suites, the Multi-purpose Clinic, Palliative Care, Community Clinics, Health Centre Lobby, the Healthy Schools Initiative, Continuing Care and the Early Investments Project. For more information, visit www.gratitudecampaign.ca.
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For more information about Spring Fling, please contact:
Jessica Lipton | Events Manager, Northern Lights Health Foundation
T: 780-791-6207 | C: 780-370-5754 | Jessica.Lipton@ahs.ca
For more information about the Gratitude Campaign, please contact:
Susanne Chaffey | Executive Director, Northern Lights Health Foundation
T: 780-791-6178 | C: 780-715-5881 | Susanne.Chaffey@ahs.ca