Health
January 29, 2008 09:48 AM
beingwell magazine Winter 2008
Southlake’s Count on Me campaign got a huge boost with a momentous $5-million gift — one of only 18 gifts at this level in Canada in the past year and the second largest in the history of Southlake’s Foundation.
“We are $5 million closer to our $60-million campaign goal and we are so grateful to this family for the confidence they have demonstrated in Southlake”, Neila Poscente, president and CEO of the Southlake Foundation, said of the donor family that wishes to remain anonymous. “That they have chosen to support Southlake and our vision for bringing the most advanced cancer care close to home is a testament to their commitment to the residents of our community.”
The family, which has strong roots in York Region, pointed to the
significance of the regional cancer program at Southlake and the difference it will make in the lives of thousands of residents, as inspiration for the donation.
“Every single family in our region will be touched in some way by cancer. This regional cancer program is an excellent investment in ensuring that we can all count on the very best in cancer care, right here in our own community,” a family representative said. “We hope that our gift will inspire every single family to make an investment, big or small.”
Hospital gala raises $1.4 million
Southlake reached another Canadian first in bringing in the highest net revenue from any hospital gala beyond Toronto.
The record-breaking $1.4 million net raised at the October gala will help build Southlake’s regional cancer program, which will serve more than one million residents in York Region and south Simcoe County.
“While some may be surprised that a hospital in Newmarket raises more money in one evening than any other hospital beyond Toronto, it’s not a real surprise to us”, Neila Poscente, president and CEO of Southlake’s Foundation, said. “Our community is deeply committed to Southlake and wants to help the hospital to become everything our community needs and deserves.”
Driven by a large group of influential and dedicated volunteers, the overwhelmingly successful gala required 18 months of hard work effort, under the leadership of chair Dawn Beswick. They, together with very generous sponsors and supporters, created an outstanding evening for all the guests, Ms Poscente added.
Reminiscent of a Las Vegas lounge, guests enjoyed a lavish cocktail reception, entertainment featuring the Rat Pack, a fabulous dinner, tried their luck to win great prizes, including a $30,000 Tiffany diamond double drop necklace, bid on wonderful items in auctions and danced the night away.
The word about Southlake is getting out and prominent Canadian individuals and organizations are showing their support, Ms Poscente said. In addition to major sponsors such Magna International, Rogers Communications and State Farm Insurance, new partners such as Tiffany & Co. and Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) demonstrated their support for Southlake’s gala this year by donating the Tiffany necklace and a $44,000 Ford Edge, respectively.
Tiffany vice-president Andrea Hopson and CAW national president Buzz Hargrove both attended the gala, which was emceed by another prominent Canadian, CBC host Wendy Mesley.