A night built around dreaming big for the future of healthcare at RVH came true. RVH Foundation’s Wildest Dreams Gala raised more than $1-million for Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) — the first time the event has surpassed the million-dollar mark. “If you’re fortunate enough to benefit from a strong community, you have a responsibility to help make it stronger. The choices we make today help shape the care our families will rely on tomorrow,” said David McCullough, who with his wife Nancy, are chairpersons of the gala. RVH President and CEO Gail Hunt challenged guests to imagine what comes next, building on advances already underway in cardiac and cancer care, clinical research and surgical robotics. “RVH gets to dream big because we have something extraordinary behind us: a community that has this hospital’s back,” said Hunt. RVH supporter Jane Brown Jackson kicked off the night with a $50,000 matching gift challenge, giving gala guests the opportunity to double the impact of their donations. “Because I was raised in a family where my parents did give back and donate, it’s always sort of been in my DNA to give,” said Jackson. “Giving is not just big gifts, it’s whatever you can.” Extraordinary and unexpected gifts pushed the total higher throughout the evening. The momentum carried into the live auction where experiences were doubled, giving multiple bidders the chance to take them home. “There was this palpable spirit of community. Every time someone stepped forward, someone else followed,” said Pamela Ross, CEO of RVH Foundation. “What happened in that room showed what’s possible when a community decides it wants more for healthcare here. More advanced care, more options close to home and a hospital ready for what this region will need next.” One night – more than $1 million raised. And a community showing that wishes can come true for the future of healthcare in Simcoe County. RVH Foundation’s Wildest Dreams Gala Chairs David and Nancy McCullough celebrate a historic night of generosity as fundraising for RVH surpasses $1 million.
