Inaugural Gala Soirée Sets Sail and Raises Over $200,000

NANAIMO, BC – June 20, 2024 – Over 100 guests gathered at Saysutshun Island this June for a first-of-its-kind gala event organized by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation.

Clad in nautical white and blue evening attire, guests arrived at the picturesque dock and were greeted with signature cocktails before making their way to the Pavilion for a dinner service expertly plated by Sarah and her team at Camas.

NDHF Board Chair Tony Harris joined Trina Knight, Manager of Perinatal at NRGH, to highlight the urgent need for new beds in the maternity ward, which have exceeded their 10-year lifespan, but almost double the appropriate time frame.

Each bed costs $20,000, and attendees quickly raised their hands to fund whole beds through full or partial donations. Six beds were purchased outright by Soirée attendees, and in total, over $200,000 was raised, funding nine beds with 32 gifts received throughout the evening.

A huge thank you to the sponsors of the Soirée at Sea, including Island Aggregates, Tom Harris Community Foundation, Acera Insurance, Megson FitzPatrick, and our title sponsor, VI Marine Group, Stones Boatyard & Nanaimo Yacht Charters & Sailing School. A special thanks to Linggo for providing the entertainment that had guests dancing the night away, and to Camas for the incredible dinner.