More and more people every year require the health care services made available by the Sturgeon Community Hospital. That’s the reason why it’s so important for the Sturgeon Community Hospital Foundation to continue hosting its annual Friend Raiser gala, now in its 22nd year.
Executive director Katrina Black explained that the hospital serves not only this city but also North Edmonton, Sturgeon County, and Parkland County. It had slightly more than 48,000 emergency visits between 2012 and 2013, plus 2,650 deliveries and more than 64,000 outpatient visits last year alone.
“Every one of our communities continues to grow. It’s incredible. So the need is so much more.”
She is very appreciative of the public support for the event and the work that the foundation does.
“We’ve had great response so far. We have an amazing community,” she stated, adding that the gala is now in its second year back in St. Albert at the Enjoy Centre, after returning from being held at an Edmonton hotel. “We had wonderful success last year. We called it our ‘Bringing It Home’ Friend Raiser gala.”
The annual Friend Raiser gala will feature a champagne reception, three-course dinner, complimentary wine on the table, and both a silent and live auction (conducted by Danny Hooper). Edmonton band Bella Rouge will provide the live entertainment.
Black indicated that approximately 400 tickets have been sold, leaving only 100 left. The goal is to raise $100,000 but the foundation has committed to raise $400,000 over the full course of 2014. She has her sights set high for how much of that commitment can be fulfilled by just this event alone.
“$200,000 would be fantastic!”
Funds raised from the event will help the foundation to purchase some pieces of equipment for the hospital. Its wish list for the year includes a cryostat, a dual channel endoscope, infusion systems, wound VAC systems and an infection control system called a macerator.
The gala is set to be held on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $175 each or $160 each for tables of 8 or 10. Black tie attire is optional. The Enjoy Centre is located at 101 Riel Drive.
For more information, call the foundation at 780-418-7361 or visit www.sturgeonhospitalfoundation.org.
