As we enjoy the heat of summer, thoughts shift ahead to fall and memorable events, including the annual Hospice Benefit Gala.
The event, taking place Oct. 25 at the Chatham Armoury, is the seventh rendition of this popular fundraiser. To date, the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation has raised $445,000 through past galas.
This time around, Jodi Maroney, executive director of the foundation, said this year’s theme for the formal event remains a secret. She only told The Voice that it involves a great deal of colour.
The gala evening has been a success thanks to a symbiotic relationship.
“This wouldn’t be possible without all our sponsors and the donors of all our auction items. It’s really a community effort between the donors, our volunteers and our guests,” Maroney said.
One of the highlights of the night is always a special Hospice Heart Story shared by a local family, hospice officials said.
On top of the meal and the memories, the gala features live and silent auctions and a diamond giveaway. Mitton Jewellers returns with the popular Diamond Draw.
“We’re having a finished diamond piece this year,” Maroney said. “In the past, we had a loose diamond.”
The Golden Ticket opportunity is back. Introduced in 2023, Maroney said a limited group of attendees receive a golden ticket, which goes into a draw. The winner gets to pick an item of their choice from the silent auction table.
With the auctions, Maroney said organizers like to offer something a little different when possible.
“We like to focus on experiences with the auctions. It’s about highlighting spending time with friends and family and making life-long memories,” she said. “Those are the kinds of things that keep families strong.”
Also back this year is a DJ for after-auction entertainment. Maroney said a number of gala attendees head home after dinner, but not everyone.
“Some guests have paid for a babysitter and they want to make an evening of it,” she said.
Maroney said tickets are a hot commodity.
“It does sell out fairly quickly. We do have a lot of guests that come back each year,” she said. “It’s wonderful that they continue their support. It’s a really fun evening. And it’s memorable and meaningful as well.”
There are roughly 80 tickets still for sale for the 350-seat event. Tickets are $200 per person, which includes a $50 tax receipt.
To get yours, call 519-354-3113 ext. 2300 or visit www.ckhospicegala.com. Additional fees apply to online purchases.
