The Abbotsford Hospice Society raised more than $60,000 through its annual gala on Saturday, Feb. 5, and the agency’s executive director said the event was a huge success.
“It’s the best we ever had (because of) the energy in the room. People were so happy and everything was clicking,” said Debbie Lehmann.
The Silver Ball, held at the Ramada Plaza and Conference Centre, not only raised funds for the Hospice Society, but also celebrated the organization’s 25th anniversary.
About 325 people attended the silver-themed celebration.
The event included entertainment by the Business in Black dancers, the Punjabi Cultural Bhangra Club of Abbotsford, The Now or Never Crew break-dancing troupe, and singer Jane Perritt.
A silent auction featured 150 items, including a guitar autographed by the Rolling Stones and an autographed Bruce Springsteen photo.
The 10 items up for grabs in the live auction included a day with the mayor, a day with the police department, and a day with Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service.
Lehmann said one of the most popular activities of the evening was a raffle for a $20,000 diamond and opal pendant donated by Brian Lee of Lee’s Fine Jewellery. It was won by Cecilia Codoceo.
Funds from the evening go towards the hospice society’s operating budget, rather than to its three-year, $7.5-million capital campaign in support of its Campus of Care facility adjacent to Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
That project will feature an adult hospice in partnership with Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and Matthew’s House, a respite facility for children with chronic disabilities.