This year's bi-annual black-tie gala in support of Southlake Regional Health Centre raised $3.68 million for its emergency department expansion and new equipment.
“Southlake’s emergency department team saves lives every day, in spite of the obstacles they need to overcome. Imagine what they could do, if they had everything they needed to do it?” Southlake Foundation philanthropy cabinet co-chair Steve Hinder told the 900 supporters, partners and dignitaries at the 2024 The Future Is Now Gala on Oct. 5, according to a foundation news release.
Funds raised will support expanded and renewed spaces, new equipment, and advanced technology for Southlake’s emergency department.
The Future Is Now Gala’s success catapults Southlake Foundation’s fundraising toward the expansion and renewal of Southlake’s emergency department and its $15 million goal, the foundation said.
"Recognizing that it could be 10 years or more before patients and their families have access to a new facility, Southlake prioritized this critical renewal of the ‘front door’ of their Davis Drive campus to address the pressures in the department, and help reduce hallway health care for our loved ones, friends, and neighbours," the release stated.
“For 100 years and counting, Southlake has delivered leading-edge care to our communities,” said Paul Woods, president and CEO of Southlake. “But with the communities we serve rapidly growing and aging, the demands for care are immense, making investment in Southlake more important than ever. We are thankful for the generosity and support of everyone who attended the gala.”
Juno-nominated and CCMA-winning singer-songwriter, actress and television host Beverley Mahood hosted the evening, and stood alongside husband Tom Cross as he shared his life-saving experience in Southlake’s emergency department after a heart attack.
Dr. Gaurav Puri, chief of emergency medicine, spoke about the pressures his talented team of physicians, nurses and staff are under each day in the department. “Every day at Southlake, a new case — a mom, a dad, a beloved grandparent or a cherished grandchild — comes through our doors every four and a half minutes, and we need to be ready.”
The impact of investment for emergency care for the community was felt throughout the evening, and Nicholas Fidei, president of Treasure Hill and presenting sponsor of the event, spoke to the important responsibility he and his organization feel to invest in Southlake.
“At Treasure Hill, community building extends beyond just homes — it’s about ensuring that our residents have access to the very best care, close to home. That is why our partnership with Southlake is so deeply important to us. Emergency care, in particular, is critical. When every second counts, our families deserve the best possible care without needing to go far. Our investments in Southlake reflect our commitment to not just building homes, but building the fabric of our community — ensuring that the well-being of our citizens is always front and centre.”
“There isn’t anyone who hasn’t visited an emergency department — with a loved one, a friend, or maybe even yourself — and thought ‘this needs to be better.’ Well, we do too,” said Jennifer Ritter, president and CEO of Southlake Foundation. “It’s why we’re so passionate about our fundraising focus of bringing the FUTURE to emergency care at Southlake NOW, and also why we are filled with gratitude for the visionary donors who stepped up at our gala to be some of the first to support this re-imagining of emergency care for our community.”
Donations can continue to be made toward emergency care by visiting the Southlake gala website.
