The Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) Foundation hosted its annual gala on November 18 for the 22nd year. Casino Rama Resort presented the ‘Cirque Under the Stars’ evening, which ended up being the charity’s most successful gala to date, raising $466,507.

The Soldiers’ Annual Gala has raised over $1.5m over the previous 21 years of hosting, which has been instrumental in purchasing surgical equipment, monitors, and life-saving pediatric equipment.

This year’s event took place in the Entertainment Centre at Casino Rama Resort. Due to high demand, the OSMH Foundation and gala committee increased the event’s capacity. The OSMH Foundation reported almost double attendance compared to the previous year, with nearly 600 visitors.

Casino Rama treated the guests to food and cirque-inspired entertainment, including acrobatics. They raised money for the cause by purchasing raffle tickets, live and silent auction items, and making direct donations. 

This year’s larger capacity meant a more significant impact for the hospital. Perry Esler, President and CEO of the OSMH Foundation, pointed out that “every dollar raised is measured in the impact it makes on the quality of healthcare at Soldiers”.

The support from sponsors, donors, and guests at this year’s gala will fund the purchase of new Centrella Smart+ Beds for the hospital, as the OSMH plans to replace 30 of its current beds to enhance patient care and assist with recovery. The beds will ensure patients are more comfortable and will upgrade the organization’s quality of care.

The OSMH Foundation has expressed gratitude to everyone who made the evening a success, including Casino Gama Resort for hosting, BMO Nesbitt Burns for being headline sponsors, the volunteer gala committee, and everyone who attended.

Foundation Board Chair at OSMH Raquell Ness said: “It is inspiring to see such a tremendous commitment to our hospital and to providing support for our community” and that they “look forward to the impact it will have on enhancing the care that Soldiers’ provides”.