A gala evening under the northern lights

The annual Health Foundation Gala is always a chance to dress up, get out and have fun for a good cause, and each year the team behind it brings forward a different theme to capture people’s imagination and get them excited about the evening. The Gala itself takes place on October 21 at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre. 

This year, the Gala took inspiration from Canada itself, and the country’s 150th anniversary for its theme, Under the Northern Lights. Diane Rusnak with the Health Foundation says their goal is to make the Gala a little different and a little better each year, and this time the theme was a way to celebrate Canada at the same time as they raised money for the cause.

This year, the Gala will have entertainment from a new band called Sich. Mitch Hippsley will provide complimentary portraits of all the guests, and Sherring Gold will again provide jewelry for a raffle. There will also be a silent auction with 40 items from local businesses. Morris Industries is again the presenting sponsor.

“Our sponsors cover the cost of Gala, so that 100 per cent of ticket revenue and proceeds from the silent auction can be used to buy medical equipment.”

That has meant that the Gala has purchased over $563,000 of that equipment over 22 years.

This year all money raised will go towards the purchase of a surgical microscope to allow cataract surgery to continue in Yorkton. There are an average of 400 surgeries in Yorkton each year. This microscope will cost close to $180,000 to purchase.

“It’s amazing how much cataract surgery is done here,” Rusnak said.

Tickets are $125 and are available in person at the Health Foundation office, whether by visiting in person, calling 306-786-0506 or visiting thehealthfoundation.ca. Rusnak encourages people to buy early as the Gala tends to sell out.