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Ladies raise money for Kelowna General Hospital

Swanky soiree Diva's & Diamonds gala collects more than $6,380 for the hospital.
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In the photo from left: Shelley Sweeney

Hosted by the Peachland Lions, ladies from around the Okanagan glittered and glammed their way to raising more than $6,000 for the Kelowna General Hospital at the inaugural Diva’s & Diamonds charity gala.

A donation of $6,380 was delivered to the KGH Foundations’ events and projects coordinator, Bettina Muller,  last week at the Lions club monthly dinner meeting.

“We are so happy to be able to present this cheque to the foundation," said one of the event organizers, Shelley Sweeney.

“It is important for our club to show our support for KGH in a relatively unique fashion.!”

Indeed the ladies-only event, in which guests dressed in formal gowns and enjoyed libations from the Hatch Winery, was certainly a good time for the gals.  MC’d by Kelowna Capital News business columnist Maxine DeHart, the highlight of the evening was the giveaway of a diamond ring donated by J.K. Schmidt Jewellers, valued at over $3,000.

All proceeds from event tickets went to the KGH Foundation to support hospital patient care.

“What an incredible gift you’ve given,” noted Muller as she addressed the group over dinner.  “By working together, we’ve turned a small, regional hospital into a centre for healthcare excellence.

"None of this would be possible without your tremendous generosity.  Thank-you on behalf of the foundation and congratulations to all those involved with the Divas & Diamonds event, you have truly made a difference.”

KGH opened its doors in 1908. At that time, there were only 19 beds.  Over the last 108 years, the hospital has grown exponentially meet the increasing needs of an ever-expanding community.

In recent years, the hospital has expanded dramatically with the addition of several new buildings and departments including the state-of-the-art Interior Heart and Surgical Centre, an expanded modern maternity ward and psychiatry unites for both youth and adults.

While the health authority provides infrastructure funding, specialized equipment and personal care items are often funded by donor gifts.

“It is important to us to support the hospital,” added Sweeney.  “It’s really a cause that benefits us all.  We are already looking forward to next year!”

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