On Saturday, February 22, 2020, 680 local business, community, medical, and philanthropic leaders attended the 5th Annual Celebration of Care Gala at Aria Banquet Centre in Surrey. $1,352,000 was raised for innovative equipment purchases for the region’s largest and busiest surgical centre at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
Surrey Hospital Foundation hosted the sold out event, themed after a glamorous, Hollywood-style after party. The gala began with an exciting red carpet experience where guests were fawned over by actors portraying Hollywood paparazzi.
Emcees Keri Adams and Jason Pires of CTV led guests through the evening featuring dinner by Peake of Catering, and impressive entertainment with Vancouver’s pre-eminent DJs, DJ Chloe and DJ Pri.
The live auction, led by beloved showman, Fred Lee, was a highlight of the event. After dinner, guests indulged in a dynamic dance party with Vancouver’s legendary Dr. Strangelove Band, with special guest Keri Adams.
“Our fifth annual gala was a great success,” says Jane Adams, President & CEO of Surrey Hospital Foundation.
“In the past five years our gala guests have raised over $10 million for Surrey Memorial Hospital. This year's gala was about excellence. It was about supporting the excellent surgeons we have in Surrey, and attracting more. In the race for exceptional medical talent, Surrey must win. Our residents deserve the very best.”
This year’s Gala Committee was led by Gala Committee Chair, Sonia Virk of Virk Viyas and Associate Lawyers. It was generously supported by over 40 sponsors, including Berezan Group and EllisDon who returned as Presenting Sponsors.