It鈥檚 a new date, a new season, and a new goal for the local hospital鈥檚 annual fundraising gala.
The 32nd annual 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation鈥檚 sell-out spring gala is shifting to fall, and in doing so organizers have announced the new date of Oct. 21.
Once again expected to sell out with 350+ guests, the major fundraiser for the local hospital will be generating necessary money for an expansion of 91原创鈥檚 cardiac care services, explained foundation executive director Heather Scott.
When completed, there will be space where the hospital鈥檚 coordinated team of health care staff care for patients who have suffered heart failure or await heart transplants, Scott elaborated, noting the unit needs to expand beds equipped with telemetry displays 鈥� monitors that display each patient鈥檚 ECG, respiratory rate, heart rhythm and other vital signs.
鈥淭he state-of-the art cardiac monitoring equipment the hospital needs will make a huge difference in patient care and recovery,鈥� she said.
Last year alone, more than 750 patients who visited 91原创 Memorial鈥檚 emergency department were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), which houses the cardiac care beds.
91原创 Memorial physician Dr. Daniel Negash said the best place for patients suffering from cardiac challenges is in the ICU, where they鈥檙e surrounded by specialists. But when the beds there are occupied, new patients must wait in the emergency department.
鈥淭he priority right now is to make sure we get those patients, waiting in the emergency department, into a bed with a telemetry unit,鈥� Negash said. 鈥淚 want our patients to come in, be treated and go home safely.鈥�
As a means to that end, the newly themed Hot Havana Nights gala 鈥� being held at the Coast Hotel and Convention Centre 鈥� will incorporate a wine draw, silent and live auctions and a 50/50 raffle to raise funds for an expanded cardiac care space.
The gala, which again will be presented by Mike & Leanne Lauren, will feature a four-course gourmet Cuban-themed dinner with wine pairings and additional libations at the rum bar.
And, guests will be encouraged to let loose on the dance floor, energized by the Spanish-West African fusion of a traditional Cuban band and addictive rumba beats.
鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to celebrating the generosity of our community at Hot Havana Nights,鈥� said Scott, who once again expects the event to sell out quickly.
Last year鈥檚 gala guests celebrated the theme of springtime, raising $205,000 in support of youth health and wellness, at the hospital and in the community 鈥� including Foundry 91原创.
Early bird rates are $2,200 for a table of eight, and $275 per individual. After Oct. 1, tickets will be $325 each or $2,600 for a table of eight, at .
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