Party Pics: Celebration of Care Gala and the Kidney Gala

Surrey Hospital Foundation’s 8^th Celebration of Care Gala – February 22

Set in an enchanted fairy tale forest, Surrey Hospital Foundation’s 8^th Celebration of Care saw 500 guests gather at the Aria Convention Centre for Surrey’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The Tales in the Woods-themed event would have its storybook ending with more than $1.53 million raised to go towards the purchase of a robotic surgery machine for the Fraser Health region.

Global TV’s chief meteorologist Mark Madryga and morning news anchor Sonia Sunger emceed Surrey Hospital’s Foundation’s 8th Celebration of Care Gala—Surrey’s biggest fundraiser.

Longstanding presenting sponsors Ralph Berezan from The Berezan Group and David McFarlane from EllisDon toasted the evening of philanthropy in support of a new regional hub for robotic surgery in the Fraser Health region.

Emergency physician at Surrey Memorial Hospital Dr. Randeep Gill and Maria Faccio, Surrey Hospital Foundation’s Chief Development Officer, welcomed 500 guests (philanthropists, medical professionals, business and community leaders) at Surrey’s Aria Convention Centre for a whimsical night of enchantment and giving.

Surrey Hospital Foundation board chair Harp Dhillon and gala chair Jennifer Hochstein witnessed an impressive $1.535 million raised to go towards the purchase of a state-of-the-art surgeon-controlled robotic surgery machine.

Indo-Canadian entrepreneur Garry Sangha of CCI Group of Companies and his wife Kiran ignited the night of giving with a gift of $150,000 towards the purchase of a $5.5 million da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System that would empower surgeons to perform advanced, minimally invasive surgeries for complex ear, nose, throat, lung and chest procedures.

Accompanied by his wife Sasha, Chuck Keeling’s Great Canadian Gaming Corporation donated a Sarah McLachlan Concert and Gordon Ramsay Dinner that fetched $6,000 in the spirited live auction.

Surrey Hospital Foundation President and CEO Nicole Robson stood in front of the $5.5 million da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System the foundation hopes to purchase and operate at Surrey Memorial Hospital early next year. Currently, there are only two such systems in B.C.—one in Vancouver and one on Vancouver Island. In comparison, the province of Ontario has 17 such machines.

Kidney Foundation’s 13^th Kidney Gala – March 8

March is National Kidney Month, a time to raise awareness about kidney health and the importance of early detection and prevention of kidney disease. The Kidney Foundation B.C. and Yukon chapter once again fronted their marquee fundraiser, a magical evening that brought the community together to raise funds for innovative kidney health and transplant research and support services for patients. The masquerade-themed event would see a lively cake auction kick-start the evening of generosity, ultimately raising nearly $400,000.

Event founder and honourary chair Dr. Adeera Levin and Ramya Hosak, director of development at the Kidney Foundation, BC and Yukon Branch, thanks attendees for helping raise nearly $400,000.

Celebrated chef Michel Jacob escorted his wife Sandrine Ramoisy, a kidney donor, joined some 350 guests at the Paradox Hotel for the foundation’s marquee fundraiser. One in 10 Canadians have kidney disease.

Sisters Latash and Marissa Nahanee provided the Indigenous welcome at the charity event. Marissa is also a two-time kidney recipient. Both continue to champion kidney health and the importance of early detection and living kidney donation.

B.C. artist Jordan Perkins painted a one-of-a-kind piece at the event. It would be auctioned off for $3500. By evening’s end, nearly $400,000 was raised for Kidney research and patient services.

Bringing hope to kidney patients District of North Vancouver City Councillor Jordan Back, Neptune Terminals Megan Owen-Evans and Design Lab Interiors Alexis Mackay-Dunn were among generous guests that opened their hearts and wallets.