Hosted by the Peachland Lions, ladies from around the Okanagan glittered and glammed their way to raising more than $6,000 for the Âé¶čAV General Hospital at the inaugural Divaâs & Diamonds charity gala.
A donation of $6,380 was delivered to the KGH Foundationsâ events and projects coordinator, Bettina Muller, last week at the Lions club monthly dinner meeting.
âWe are so happy to be able to present this cheque to the foundation," said one of the event organizers, Shelley Sweeney.
âIt is important for our club to show our support for KGH in a relatively unique fashion.!â
Indeed the ladies-only event, in which guests dressed in formal gowns and enjoyed libations from the Hatch Winery, was certainly a good time for the gals. MCâd by Âé¶čAV business columnist Maxine DeHart, the highlight of the evening was the giveaway of a diamond ring donated by J.K. Schmidt Jewellers, valued at over $3,000.
All proceeds from event tickets went to the KGH Foundation to support hospital patient care.
âWhat an incredible gift youâve given,â noted Muller as she addressed the group over dinner. âBy working together, weâve turned a small, regional hospital into a centre for healthcare excellence.
"None of this would be possible without your tremendous generosity. Thank-you on behalf of the foundation and congratulations to all those involved with the Divas & Diamonds event, you have truly made a difference.â
KGH opened its doors in 1908. At that time, there were only 19 beds. Over the last 108 years, the hospital has grown exponentially meet the increasing needs of an ever-expanding community.
In recent years, the hospital has expanded dramatically with the addition of several new buildings and departments including the state-of-the-art Interior Heart and Surgical Centre, an expanded modern maternity ward and psychiatry unites for both youth and adults.
While the health authority provides infrastructure funding, specialized equipment and personal care items are often funded by donor gifts.
âIt is important to us to support the hospital,â added Sweeney. âItâs really a cause that benefits us all. We are already looking forward to next year!â
The KGH Foundation is an independent, volunteer-driven charitable organization committed to enhancing the delivery of health care to the patients of Âé¶čAV General Hospital and its associated facilities.
