More than 300 people came out to support the Abbotsford Hospice Society’s annual fundraiser on Saturday night.
This year’s event, called Venetian Masquerade – A Journey of the Heart, took place at the Ramada Plaza and Conference Centre, raising funds for hospice’s Holmberg House and its front line services.
During the evening’s festivities, Dave Holmberg Sr. announced he would match all donations gathered during the live auction and the Capital Campaign fundraising segments.
Hospice executive director Debbie Lehmann said the final numbers were not yet tabulated as of Monday.
“We’re safe to say that Dave could well be matching approximately $50,000,” she said.
This year’s event had a fundraising goal of $100,000, which Lehmann said will easily be met.
“I’m confident that it should surpass $150,000.”
Brian Lee, of Lee’s Fine Jewellery, was also an active contributor. During the event, Lee was passing out custom designed sterling silver memorial butterfly necklaces to anyone who contributed $1,000 or more.
“And if a donor at the event goes to his store with the necklace, Brian will put a diamond in it for them,” said Lehmann.
Final figures will be released later this week.