DUNNVILLE—On Saturday, March 27, 2021 the Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation (DHHF) will host a first of its kind virtual gala in support of the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital (HWMH).
The Hearts & Heroes Virtual Gala will feature private performances by some recognizable talent.
“We wanted to appeal to three different genres of music,” says Danielle Ormonde, Special Events Coordinator of the foundation. Country Star Tim Hicks will perform and share a story about his connection to Dunnville. For those who prefer the crooning sounds of Frank Sinatra, Matt Dusk is on the bill performing a classic Sinatra sound, along with some original music. And for the Tragically Hip fans out there, guitarist Paul Langlois will pick to a Hip favourite and share one of his new singles.
“This is a brand-new idea and we have had to think outside the box and try to engage the entire community,” says Ormonde.
“The event does come with its challenges,” says Penny Banks, Executive Director of the foundation. “We have had to navigate an entirely new software system in order to present this gala virtually. We aren’t dealing with room set ups, mic tests, and table linens, instead we are resizing logos and videos to ensure the digital formats are compatible and the event runs smoothly. All materials are produced remotely and submitted to the developer to create a fun, interactive, and engaging event!”
In addition to the entertainment lineup for the evening, DHHF has been reaching out to the community to support the online auction. They have had a great response and hope the funds raised will help to achieve their fundraising goal.
The pandemic has hit many local businesses especially hard, so DHHF feels privileged to see the show of support that they have. Canadian Tire, TD Bank, Dunnville Veterinary Clinic, and Ontario Construction Consortium (a new sponsor for DHHF), have sponsored this first-time event. It is difficult to keep asking the same sponsors over and over, yet DHHF continues to see their unwavering generosity.
“Although we were not able to secure a Presenting Sponsor for this event, I have no doubt as the event grows, we will see more and more uptake on the opportunity to be our presenting sponsor in the future,” says Banks. “This is especially true now that we have developed great media partnerships with The Haldimand Press, The Grand 92.9, KX94.7 and Wave.fm, and The Sachem and Glanbrook Gazette.”
With a $1 million commitment to HWMH each year, DHHF will need to create opportunities for local businesses to support them with sponsorship dollars.
Connecting and brainstorming with the hospital foundation colleagues across the province will help design opportunities that will be engaging and fun for the entire community.
With over $350,000 in upgrades needed in the HWMH Diagnostic Imaging Department, funds raised at the Hearts & Heroes Virtual gala will help with the purchase of a new portable x-ray machine, an ultrasound stretcher, and a new bone density unit as the current one is nearing its end-of-life use.
Tickets with no meal are still available until 4 p.m. on Friday, March 26.
One really exciting thing that this fundraising platform allows for is an online auction and you do not need to be registered for the event to participate in the auction. There are a variety of items up for grabs and, in addition to that, if you are interested in making a donation on the night of the event the phone lines will be open until 8 p.m. and DHHF will be recognizing all donors onscreen that night.
DHHF is also offering every frontline worker an opportunity to purchase a ticket for $25 off to show our appreciation for their commitment to our community during the pandemic.
Whether a hospital worker, a grocery store worker, or a convenience store worker, we are grateful for all of them and encourage them to take advantage of this opportunity.
For more information, please visit our event site at Givergy.ca/dhhf, call 905-774-2529, or email Danielle at events@dhhf.ca.
