Guests of the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundations’ 20th annual Gala were once again treated to a wonderful evening of celebration. From humble beginnings in 1989, the Gala has evolved into a highly anticipated annual event that has raised over one million dollars for equipment at Ridge Meadows Hospital over the twenty years.

Total raised for the evening, held on Saturday October 18 at Meadow Gardens Golf Course, was over $182,000. The Foundation has committed to purchase $500,000 of healthcare equipment for Ridge Meadows Hospital this year, with over half of that designated for operating room equipment.

At the Gala, Les Jourdain, Director of Fraser River Pile and Dredge (GP) Inc., presenting sponsor of the Gala, and his wife, Marilyn, said of the support by their company, “Fraser River Pile & Dredge is very pleased be investing in Ridge Meadows Hospital. The dedication of the hospital staff to provide the best medical care to the people who live and work in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows is exemplary. The financial investment we are making is something that we are very proud to make.”

In honour of the first Gala, the theme for this years event was once again “A Flight of Fantasy”. The décor featured butterflies, a garden arbor and patio lanterns and was a simple statement of white and green with stunning centerpieces.

Kathy Marshall, honorary chair of the gala, was the organizer of the first gala. She said “I believed that a Gala event would be a wonderful opportunity to gain awareness for our hospital foundation and raise funds for our hospital. Here we are twenty years later – raising $4000 that first year to almost $200,000 this year and it’s still the biggest party in town with incredible support from the community.”

Foundation Board Chair, Art Van Pelt, acted as emcee for the evening and extended his appreciation for the efforts of the Gala Committee who delivered a fabulous evening and his thanks for the extraordinary support of everyone in attendance at the event and all in the community.

2008 Gala Photo Gallery