Mount Forest hospital foundation hosts successful gala

MOUNT FOREST – The funds have been tallied, and the Mount Forest Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation gala can be officially declared a success.

The foundation had set a fundraising goal of $112,500 for the June 15 event, planning to direct the funds toward updating the hospital’s ECG fleet, including buying a replacement ECG cart and software upgrades.

“After a very successful event, this goal was not only met, but exceeded, with funds raised at the gala totaling more than $145,000,” a news release states.

The additional funds will go toward other capital equipment and projects the foundation has committed to funding for the hospital in 2024 and 2025, it notes.

“We are so grateful for how the community came together to support both the gala and Louise Marshall Hospital,” foundation executive director Amy Van Huss stated in the release.

“From our sponsors, to the businesses who donated to our auctions, the team of volunteers who helped build and construct the fantastic decor, our set-up and clean-up crew, the guests that purchased tickets, and many more, we couldn’t have accomplished what we did without them all,” she said. “We are so thankful to everyone who helped us achieve our goal this year.”

More than 450 people attended the Adventures in Wonderland-themed event at the Mount Forest sportsplex, which was transformed to a magical world complete with playing-card guards, toadstools, flamingo croquet, and even a rabbit hole.

The event included live and silent auctions, dinner, live music, dancing, fundraising games and more.

Plans are already underway for the foundation’s fifth annual gala to take place in June 2025.

In the meantime, those wanting to support the hospital foundation are encouraged to visit louisemarshallfoundation.ca.