NEWS RELEASE
THE FOUNDATION OF GUELPH GENERAL HOSPITAL
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The 26th annual Black Tie Bingo, presented by Co-operators and Meridian Credit Union, will be a virtual gala for the second time in response to the pandemic. It will take place over a live stream on Saturday, March 5.
“Last year, 369 guests attended Black Tie Bingo virtually and we received lots of positive feedback, so we’re planning to deliver another fantastic evening at home for those in our community who like to support Guelph General through our signature black tie gala,” remarked Elizabeth Stewart, Manager of Annual Giving at The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital.
Ticket purchasers will log on to a full gala experience live streamed from The Grand Guelph with Master of Ceremonies, Sean Furfaro. Guests will receive boxes filled with everything needed for an incredible at-home gala experience, including a gourmet four-course ready to heat meal, a signature cocktail kit, wine, access to the online silent and live auctions, supplies to play a fun game of bingo, and a chance to win some great raffle prizes.
Every year, Black Tie Bingo is reinvented through a new theme, and 'Around the World' was chosen for 2022. Prizes available through the silent and live auctions will include international travel themes, reinterpreted for Ontario-based experiences. Examples are “A Weekend in Paris (Ontario)” and the “Taste of Europe Cheese Tour.” The live and silent auctions always include exceptional offerings and are very popular with guests.
Funds raised will be used to help purchase a new MRI scanner. Fundraising for the scanner started in the spring of 2021 and close to $1.8 million has been raised since. The new MRI scanner will replace the hospital’s original scanner which was funded by donors 14 years ago. The 2007 Black Tie Bingo – A Night with the Tsars contributed $135,000 towards it.
“Every year, we are amazed by the enthusiasm our community has for supporting the Hospital through Black Tie Bingo - guests, sponsors, volunteers and providers of in-kind service and auction prizes alike. We are saddened not to be able to be back together in person. However, we remain grateful for the unwavering support from the community for this event and look forward to producing an incredible gala experience via livestream,” said Suzanne Bone, the Foundation’s CEO.
Virtual tickets are on sale until Feb. 8 at a cost of $225 per ticket. For full event details and to purchase tickets to attend, visit gghfoundation.ca/black-tie-bingo
Black Tie Bingo has raised over $3.8 million in net fundraising revenue in its 25 years history, funding numerous pieces of essential patient care equipment and impacting tens of thousands of lives.
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