By Kerry J Newstead
DUNNVILLE—The ‘Happy Birthday’ song rang out from the walls of the Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre this past weekend. While the song was launched for Dr. Doug Madill, it was certainly fitting as part of the 50th anniversary of the Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation (DHHF) that raised over $50,000 for DHHF.
The evening of October 19, 2024 was billed as the Hearts and Heroes Golden Gala. The many stylish visitors were invited for a photo in front of the anniversary banner by photographer Bob Hatcher. From there they could visit the wall of champagne to add some bubbles and sparkle to the occasion.
In the main hall guests were entertained with music provided by Chris Alford of Isle of Sound. Guests mingled, bidding on the items for the silent auction, and enjoying trays of hors d’oeuvres.
DUNNVILLE—Many dignitaries and local residents came out to support Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation’s 50th anniversary on October 19, 2024. Internationally renowned musician and Dunnville resident Rob Lamothe performs. 
DUNNVILLE—Many dignitaries and local residents came out to support Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation’s 50th anniversary on October 19, 2024. Dr. Leslyn Lewis, Haldimand Norfolk MP, with her husband John Balca. 
DUNNVILLE—The Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation held its 50th anniversary gala on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Participants of the Hearts & Heroes Golden Gala included: (l-r) Veronika Simmons, Angela Brooks of the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce, Ethel Mergelon, Jalen Czuba, and Chris Borela. —Haldimand Press photo by Kerry J Newstead. 
DUNNVILLE—Shown at the gala are: (standing, l-r) Trenny Dockrill, nurse with DHHF; Sandie Heirwegh, Interim Executive Director, DHHF; Brad Spencer, Chair of the DHHF Board; Shelley Ann Bentley, Haldimand Mayor; (seated) Dr. Doug Madill and his wife Betty Madill. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J Newstead.
Master of Ceremonies Matt Hayes kicked off the festivities speaking about his career and when he moved to the Dunnville area. He said how important the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital is to the community, having visited the emergency department several times himself. He complimented the gala committee, noting that this year’s event was larger than the previous year with 23 tables of attendees.
Hayes then introduced Dr. Doug Madill, the Honourary Chair of the Gala. Madill gave a fine welcoming speech via Liz MacDonald, past chair of the foundation. He recalled DHHF launching at a time when the province wanted to close small rural hospitals, but the residents of Dunnville and area fought to keep their hospital. He also shared how it has grown since then to include Edgewater Gardens Long-Term Care Centre.
Dinner was provided by Debb’s Cuisine on Queen and included grilled halloumi, braised short rib, and grilled chicken breast.Rob Lamothe of Dunnville provided a musical interlude between dinner and dessert. It started with a rousing edition of Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen and ended with the Happy Birthday sing along.
Following dessert, door prizes were awarded and the 50/50 draw was announced. A unique ‘Fund-A-Need Paddle Raise’ ended the evening as guests bid toward donations, ultimately bringing DHHF past their goal to fundraise $50,000 for local healthcare needs.
“This community loves their hospital and it shows. That message was received loud and clear at the Golden Gala,” said Sandie Heirwegh, Interim Executive Director, DHHF. “It was a memorable evening celebrating 50 years of the foundation that supports local healthcare. Thank you to everyone that played a role in making it a huge success – donors, volunteers, sponsors, local businesses, and of course, the incredible team at DHHF.”
“We count on local support, and I am proud to say that we shopped local for the gala. Catering, decorating, audio, video production, and printing were all locally sourced,” she concluded. “At DHHF, we are Haldimand proud.”
