Airdrie Health Foundation Gala raises over $100,000

(Photo: Winston Cormier-Smith photography)

The Airdrie Health Foundation Gala which was held last Saturday October 3 was a huge success.

The night was a major wow factor, brought in an old Vegas style with slot machines, dice, huge playing cards and photos by paparazzi (but not the real ones of course). This was all volunteer driven to help support the foundation founded by local resident Michelle Bates.

In hopes to bring a 24 hour health care facility to Airdrie, the event was a successful night. With final numbers the gala raised around $110,000 from donors and sponsors, as well as the big announcement of the donation of land, from Mr Hugh Hamilton.

Michelle Bates was speechless by all the support. Driven by the loss of her 5 year old son Lane in 2009 after his cold suddenly became severe overnight with no emergency care open nearby.

"The loss of a child everyone says it gets better and goes away, but it doesn't, they say time heals and I don't think that's the case either, my grandfather told me time just takes off the edge which makes sense. Things do get better and you do carry on, but there is always this feeling that never goes away, and that's in the heart."

With a city of 60,000 people and no 24 hour health care facility in place, Bates is working hard to make sure this does not happen to another family.

"Health care is not political, health care is common sense, my son wasn't political, he was five, when people don't talk about it or say they don't have time than we can't make a plan, and we need plan".

With some of the money raised they have plans to purchase the hand held bed side ultra sounds for the Airdrie Urgent Care Center.

They are always looking for more volunteers as well as donations to help fund this great cause that will benefit the community of Airdrie as well as the surrounding communities.

To donate or for more information you can visit the website by clicking here.

Kari Kasper - airdrienews@goldenwestradio.com

The "Light up the Night - Bringing Old Vegas to Airdrie for a Good Cause" gala put on by the Airdrie Health Foundation was a huge success on Saturday October 3.

The second annual event held this year at Genesis Place was packed with a sellout crowd of 330 local residents who not only purchased tickets for $125 but also bid on silent and live auction items much to the joy of the foundation board.

With a Las Vegas style theme, guests were dressed for the entertainment provided by Danny Jacobson, a crooner and impressionist up from California and a casino set up complete with play money. There was also a unique feature with Live Body Art provided by AmandaAmazing, aka Amanda Toszer. The night wouldn't have been complete without a delicious meal provided by Great Events Catering and a deejay getting people up on the dance floor.

Working tirelessly behind the scenes to get the event set up it all paid off with a huge announcement half way through the evening. Mr Hugh Hamilton, local business icon and philanthropist stepped up the podium to announce that he was donating 10 acres to the foundation in order for them to build a health care facility that will allow 24/7 access.

The announcement was preceeded by an extremely heartfelt speech by board chair Michelle Bates as she spoke about losing her 5 year old son Lane in 2009 due to the lack of a 24/7 health care facility.

The final fundraising numbers have not quite been tallied but with the announcement of the donation of land from Mr Hamilton it was indeed a successful night.

- See more at: http://www.discoverairdrie.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11925:airdrie-health-foundation-gala-makes-major-announcement&catid=1:local-news&Itemid=136#sthash.s7QrJqBa.dpuf