About 300 patrons and supporters packed the Roma Club in Leamington on Saturday, January 24 for the Erie Shores Health Foundation Gala28.
The sold out gala celebrated the 75th anniversary of the hospital, which opened April 4, 1950 and also serves as a signature fundraiser for the Health Foundation (ESHF).
The Roma Club was decked out in black with plenty of sparkle and greenery to celebrate such a monumentous occasion.
The welcoming area inside the front door featured live music by the Price Brothers Trio, a photo stop and living lamps from Medusa Entertainment, giving way to the lounge area and prize room, where the silent auction took place.
Inside the hall, patrons found their tables and sat down for a delicious Roma Club dinner, which was followed by emcee Pepe Bonfiglio introducing yet another entertainer from Medusa — a chandelier aerialist who wowed the crowd with her moves.
Bonfiglio also served as live auctioneer, who rallied the tables to make generous donations to the foundation.
Gala Committee Chair, Gloria Cavenago, was in awe of the community support, volunteers and sponsors.
“I’m blown away by the love of this community that supports their own,” she said. “Beyond grateful for this beautiful committee who spend countless volunteer hours along with their personal investment making this a night to remember! I am blessed to be in a position to watch the magic that happens when the community comes together.”
Gala28 committee member Krissy Thiessen was equally thrilled.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Erie Shores HealthCare serving our community for 75 years,” she said. “It was an honour to be part of an amazing committee working to raise funds for such an essential hospital in our area.”
The foundation itself also issued a statement on the success of the event.
“ESHF could not be prouder of the success of Gala28. From the organization and design of the event to the overall celebratory atmosphere for Erie Shores HealthCare’s 75th anniversary – thank you to the amazing committee and all of the attendees,” said the statement.
The 14 members of the Gala Commitee posed for a photo near the front entrance prior to the event. From left are Cat Mucci, Madison Jeffery, Andrea Mastronardi, Melissa Mucci, Danielle Tartaro, Cindy Ware, Gloria Cavenago, Krissy Thiessen, Tanya Mastronardi, Deborah Bonfiglio, Nadia Ingratta, Natalie Moracci, Jessica Wharram, Isabel Jacobs.
Committee photo courtesy of ESHF
The Price Brothers Trio welcomed guests on their way in and then again after dinner.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
Local dignitaries included, from left, Pelee Island Mayor Cathy Miller, Leamington’s Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke and Leamington’s Mayor (and Warden of Essex County) Hilda MacDonald.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
The Signature Drinks lineup was a busy one most of the evening.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
The silent auction area was known as the Prize Room, and was decked out in enlarged old photos from the hospital’s bygone years.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
Medusa Entertainment was on hand with their “human lamp” ladies, decked out all in black.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
