Visions 2024 Gala Raises $2.75 Million For Surgical Innovation 

The 32^nd annual Visions gala, hosted by the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, raised a transformational $2.75 million to bring surgical innovation to the forefront at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals.

620 philanthropists, business leaders and caregivers attended the signature black-tie event held at the Fairmont Empress Hotel on the evening of Saturday, November 16.

This year’s Visions gala brought together over 100 local physicians, surgeons and nurses, marking the largest caregiver attendance in the gala’s history. Their presence is a powerful testament to their dedication to the community they serve. The evening was grounded in compassion for their roles.

Funds raised at the gala brought the Foundation’s newly-launched It’s Time for Surgical Innovation campaign to the $6 million milestone in their $17 million endeavor.

Dr. Jeff McCracken, Chief Urologist at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals spoke to the transformation that robotics will bring to his surgical program and the impact it will have on cancer patients across Vancouver Island. Prostate cancer patients will be the first to benefit from robotics.

“Bringing advanced technologies right to our doorstep means we are not longer limited with what we can accomplish in minimally invasive care,” says Dr. Jeff McCracken. “We will have state-of-the-art surgical tools in the hands of the incredible surgeons here, giving patients the best possible chance for recovery and healing. The power of this technology to change lives is immeasurable.”

Bringing robotics to Vancouver Island also ensures our hospitals remain a top community care centre with the ability to attract and retain talented healthcare professionals that will continue to provide world-class care, for all those who call our beautiful Island home. Royal Jubilee will be the second hospital in B.C. with a surgical robot.

The silent and live auctions at the Visions gala are always some of the highlights of the evening; this year was no exception. BC Place helped turn up the excitement by donating a private suite for 14 people to Taylor Swift’s sold-out December 7^th The Eras Tour concert in Vancouver. The Victoria Hospitals Foundation is pleased to announce this package sold to the Millar Family and the Glickman Family who split the box for $260,000, treating the special grandchildren in their life.

“I am truly humbled by the incredible generosity of our community and deeply grateful for the overwhelming support shown for our local hospitals,” shares Avery Brohman, CEO of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. “Community volunteers, philanthropists, physicians, and local businesses came together as one to make bold advancements to elevate and celebrate local healthcare. The power of philanthropy was ever-present this evening.”

The volunteer Visions Steering Committee was at the helm of the event, comprised of 12 local leaders giving back their time to champion the cause.

“Visions is more than an exceptional event; it’s a powerful catalyst for change in our community. The generous donations made will have a direct and lasting impact on the quality of care at our local hospitals. We thank all our sponsors who enabled the success of the evening, including our Diamond Sponsors, The Fairmont Empress, Bayview Place and RBC,” shares Visions Steering Committee Chair, Charlotte Salomon, KC.

Evening highlights included Andrew Sheret Limited, a fourth-generation, local Victoria business pledging $500,000 to match the gifts in the room, kicking-off the evening’s pledge drive that inspired gifts from many. Donor Craig Mearns responded by generously pledging $500,000; Charlotte Salomon, KC and Chris Robinson donating $100,000, and Carole Forster pledging $100,000, honouring her late husband Clint this evening. Physician giving was present also with generous pledges from the Division of General Surgery and the Division of Urology.