A little bit more support is required to bring the North Okanagan largest-ever fundraiser to a successful conclusion.
The Building a Tower of Care campaign at Vernon Jubilee Hospital is within $180,000 of its $7 million goal.
“We hope there are generous people in the North Okanagan who will help us reach the $7 million,” said Sue Beaudry, director of development with the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation.
The campaign, which began three years ago, is raising funds for medical equipment for the new patient care tower.
“We are very excited to be almost there,” said Beaudry, adding that the support of residents, businesses and service clubs has been overwhelming.
“It was an aggressive goal so it’s rewarding to know the people of the North Okanagan agreed with us.”
The campaign got a $200,000 boost during the second annual Vernon Home Building Centre and Shepherd’s Home Hardware Charity Classic on the weekend.
The event included a gala dinner and auction at the new tower Saturday and a golf tournament at Predator Ridge Golf Resort Sunday.
During the gala, anonymous donations were received and then matched by philanthropist George Galbraith. That resulted in a total of $125,300.
The gala, which was held in the ambulance bay, was attended by 286 people.
Interior Health Authority staff and family members volunteered their time to prepare and serve the meal, which saved the foundation $10,000 in meal costs.
CTV Vancouver anchor Mike Killeen was the master of ceremony for the evening.
On Sunday, 128 golfers took part in the tournament at Predator Ridge.
The corporate challenge was won by Team Silver Star, including Michael Sherwood, Murray Smith, Norman Kruetz and Marty Steele.
