RENFREW COUNTY (Pembroke) – Community leaders, hospital staff, doctors, business owners and philanthropists recently gathered for the fourteenth annual Black and White Gala at the Normandy Officers’ Mess, Garrison Petawawa, to celebrate local health care achievements made at the Pembroke Regional Hospital.
As part of the October 19 celebration, two local families made surprise donations to close out the evening.
Over 240 guests who attended the Gala roared and cheered at the announcement made by Laura Carroll, Gala Chairwoman. “Each of these donors has had a somewhat recent experience at the hospital with loved ones. After the exceptional level of care that they received from our doctors, nurses and hospital staff, they felt there couldn’t possibly be a better investment than in our local health care. So, thank you to Milton and Leona Borenstein and Norm and Mary Jane Carroll for your last minute donations of $10 thousand, and thank you to our local medical community for being the reason why!”
Just two years ago, at the 2017 Gala, the Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation launched the Cutting Edge Campaign to fund upgrades to the PRH inpatient surgical floor and equipment purchases for the regional orthopaedic program.
As part of this year’s Gala address, PRH President and CEO Pierre Noel spoke of the achievements made in the Cutting Edge Campaign to date. “Thanks to everyone in this room, we have reached a milestone in our Cutting Edge Campaign with only $250 thousand left to raise from our initial $2.5 million goal.”
Along with the night’s key addresses from Ms. Carroll and Mr. Noel, written words of congratulations were read from a number of letters received, including one from Governor General Julie Payette. “Since the first Black and White Gala took place in 2006, the Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation has raised much needed funds to ensure local access to the highest quality health care in the region. Heartfelt thanks to the attendees and supporters of tonight’s gala. Your generosity has a tremendous impact on your community, ensuring continued excellence in the programs and services of the hospital, for the benefit of patients and their families,” Ms. Payette wrote.
Surrounded by fragrant floral bouquets, guests enjoyed a delectable four-course meal catered by Ullrich’s and an exciting live auction, delivered by Brandon Beaulieu, The Real Estate Guy.
Among the items and packages for auction: a children’s birthday party hosted at the Pembroke Fire Hall; a mountain helicopter adventure in British Columbia with partial air fare from Jamieson Travel; winter and summer weekend getaways at Mont Ste. Marie from Griff Slaughter, Your Car Guy, Monte Ste. Marie, and Golf Lac Ste. Marie; a 14Kt white gold, diamond encrusted tennis bracelet, from Star-Set Jewellers; a private Christmas party hosted at Wilkies Fresh Baked Bread, decorated by Crazy Beautiful Décor and coordinated by Forevermore; a package of 20 pre-paid date night items donated by generous Pembroke businesses; and a Taste of the Valley tour at L’Ancienne Banque, O’Kenny Craft Spirits, Square Timber Brewing Company, and Whitewater Brewing Company, with limo service by Normandeau’s Car Care.
“We are grateful to everyone here tonight, the sponsors of the evening and the volunteer committee who organized this incredible event,” remarked Roger Martin, PRHF Executive Director.
“Together, we raised over $180 thousand and smashed the record total raised for the Black and White Gala,” Mr. Martin said.
Among the major Gala sponsors, BMO Financial Group, Frank Carroll Financial, EGM Insurance and the PRH Department of Diagnostic Imaging stepped up to contribute over $50 thousand. Nearly $10 thousand in the event’s spectacular décor was donated by Parvati and Athena Events.
Concluding her remarks, Ms. Carroll directed her gratitude to those in attendance: “whether your donation has been financial, in-kind, or your personal time – each and every one of you has embraced the responsibility of taking care of one another. We are so fortunate to be among the great champions of our community here tonight, so thank you.”
