THUNDER BAY – Healthbeat – 1 in 2 – it’s the number of deaths in Northwestern Ontario caused by heart disease. And it’s the reason why over 300 people gathered at Thunder Bay’s Valhalla Inn on Saturday, November 10th for the 7th Annual Downtown Volkswagen Save a Heart Ball.
Guests enjoyed a fine evening starting with a symposium featuring champagne and hors d’oeuvres. It was then into the ballroom where a delicious five-course meal was served. Following dinner, a live auction kept the crowd on its toes and the multiple silent auction prizes tempted many into generous bids. And to top it all off, Viva hit the stage and encouraged guests onto the dance floor. For many, a favourite aspect of the night was the midnight buffet featuring tasty treats and delectable sliders.
Altogether, the glamourous evening raised $41,054 for the Northern Cardiac Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, bringing the total in its seven years to almost $300,000.
“We are delighted by the ongoing support of the community in raising funds to support our local cardiac programs and ensuring we have world-class cardiac care close to home,” said Save a Heart Ball Chair Vince Mirabelli. “This event has truly had an impact on cardiac care here in Northwestern Ontario. In a very short period of time, we’ve gone from sending 100% of patients needing angioplasty to other centres, to having two cardiac catheterization labs providing angioplasty on a 24/7 basis – the gold standard of care.”
Due to the generous donors of our community, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre also has an award-winning cardiac rehabilitation program, is a national leader in the delivery of cardiac care through telemedicine and is attracting world-class cardiac specialists.
Of course, this event would not be possible without the dedication of sponsors. “We simply would not be able to put together an event of this caliber and raise money for the Northern Cardiac Fund without the contributions of our incredible corporate sponsors,” said Lindsay Kerr, Special Event Officer, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “Our sponsors believe very strongly in the cardiac programs offered at the Health Sciences Centre – they know that the care provided is making a real difference to families across Northwestern Ontario.”
Bert Mascarin, of presenting sponsor, Downtown Volkswagen echoed those sentiments. “We are very proud to be a part of the Save a Heart Ball. It’s important to us, to our customers and to people across the Northwest that we have cardiac care close to home and this event has continuously shown that, when we come together as a community, we can heal hearts and save lives.”
Heather Vita
Save a Heart Car Raffle Launched
A special automobile guest was in attendance at the Save a Heart Ball – Presenting sponsor, Downtown Volkswagen, unveiled the Grand Prize for the Save a Heart Raffle – a brand new, 2013 Volkwswagen Beetle! (Value of $30,202.86) This beautiful red car can be yours for just $20. Tickets at: Health Sciences Foundation Office, Downtown Volkswagen or Porter Airlines. Draw date February 14, 2013. All in support of the Northern Cardiac Fund.