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Kelowna fundraiser supports youth mental health

Annual Innkeeper's Gala raising money for integrated youth mental health centre at Kelowna General Hospital.
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Inkeeper's Ball supporters Cheryll Gillespie

It has become known as one of the social events of the year in Kelowna.

The Innkeeper’s Gala, A Roy’El’ Affair, is set for Saturday, Nov. 26, continuing its 27-year tradition of kicking off the holiday season in style tobenefit a very important cause.

With the purchase of their ticket, guests can expect nothing less than the best in live entertainment, delicious food stations and an exhilarating selection of wine and craft beer from across the region.

The proceeds from this year’s event have been dedicated to support the KGH Foundation’s commitment to raising funds to open a world-class Integrated Youth Mental Health Centre in Kelowna.

The centre will be operated by CMHA-Kelowna and designed to support the needs of young adults and their families in navigating mental illness.

Since its inception in 1989, the gala has contributed over $800,000 to advancing patient care in the Southern B.C. Interior region. The impact made from the Innkeeper’s tradition reaches far and has touched the lives of many in our community.

This year, the cause is close to many people’s hearts. About 300,000 of our youth in BC – one in four – need mental health or substance use services.

The centre will advance the standard of youth mental health care being delivered in our region to rival the best in the country by allowing young people and their family’s immediate access to help from a wide variety of mental health support providers, all in one place.

“This is an incredibly important campaign, one that has tremendous benefit,” said Ted Callahan, president and CEO of Argus Properties Ltd. “We are thrilled that the tradition of Innkeeper’s continues its contribution to making big things possible in our community.”

Thom Killingsworth, COO of Inn-Trust Hospitality Ltd. added, "There has been an overwhelming response from the community through food and beverage suppliers, decor companies and our colleagues who donate their time to make sure every possible dollar goes to the KGH Foundation.

The Innkeeper’s Gala has always been a great opportunity to gather friends or co-workers for a fun night out. The event will run from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Hotel Eldorado. Tickets are at $200 each, or buy seven and get the eighth for free. Only 200 tickets will be sold.

To purchase tickets, visit hoteleldoradokelowna.com/upcoming-events or call 250-862-4438. Guests are invited to make a night of it and take the ‘El’evator home for $500, which includes two tickets, accommodation and Sunday brunch (per couple)

The Kelowna General Hospital Foundation is an independent, volunteer-driven charitable organization committed to enhancing the delivery of healthcare to the patients of Kelowna General Hospital and its associated facilities.