Victoria Hospitals Foundation Premiere West Shore Gala Raises Over $430,000 for Victoria General Hospital
The Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s premiere Miracle on the Mountain Gala raised more than $430,000 in support of leading-edge medical equipment for Victoria General Hospital on May 28th. Held at the newly-renovated Westin Bear Mountain Resort, this sold-out event hosted more than 280 community leaders and marked the Foundation’s first gala on the West Shore.
The Miracle on the Mountain Gala celebrated local hospitals and advanced philanthropy to support Victoria General and Royal Jubilee hospitals’ greatest priority needs—the two largest hospitals and referral sites for all Islanders, including those living on the West Shore. The evening included several tributes to hospital teams in recognition of their efforts to serve our communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic which continues to put immense stress on our local hospitals.
“Our hospitals serve all of us on Vancouver Island. We are immensely grateful for the generous spirit of our West Shore communities, and delighted to have a new opportunity for our supporters to stand with care teams and help our hospitals emerge stronger from the impacts of the pandemic and beyond. Our Miracle on the Mountain Gala was a testament to the power of our local communities, united to shape the future of Island healthcare,” says Avery Brohman, Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
Funds raised at the Miracle on the Mountain Gala will support the purchase of a $318,000 O-Arm Imaging System for Victoria General Hospital and other priority needs identified through the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s Emerge Stronger campaign. Since launching in October 2021, over 2,800 donors have raised more than $4 million towards the campaign’s $10-million goal. The campaign’s $3-million second phase, Local Care, aims to fund vital equipment that keeps patients and their families close to home.
“The impact of our West Shore was in full display at the Miracle on the Mountain Gala. We stand proudly with the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, knowing that funds raised in our communities will stay in our communities for the benefit of our neighbours and loved ones for years to come. I am proud of how the West Shore showed up,” says Langford Mayor Stewart Young.
Event highlights included a four-course dinner, live entertainment, and spectacular silent and live auction packages. Hosted by CHEK News anchor, Stacy Ross, guests had an opportunity to hear the powerful stories of our local care teams and grateful patients, including Gordon Viberg, the fifth patient to be diagnosed with COVID-19 at Royal Jubilee Hospital in March 2020, and Sharon, whose life-altering surgical procedure was made possible using the Island’s first and only neurosurgical O-Arm Imaging System.
The Miracle on the Mountain Gala was generously supported by presenting sponsor The Ratcliff Group: Engel & Völkers Westshore, along with Island Savings, Westin Bear Mountain Resort, Bilston Creek Farm, One Bear Mountain, Used.ca, Monk Office, Handicare, Decorate Victoria, Maximum Express, Victory Media, CHEK News, Times Colonist, Unsworth Vineyards, YAM, Quality Foods, Mike Geric Construction. The evening’s raffle, silent, and live auctions were supported by 65 local businesses.
Event photos are coming soon and will be posted here:
victoriahf.ca/mountaingala-thankyou.
To make a contribution in support of our hospitals or for more information, please visit victoriahf.ca/stronger or call 250-519-1750.
The Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s signature gala, Visions, returns on November 19, 2022. To purchase your tickets or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit victoriahf.ca/visions or call 250-519-1750.
