GUELPH – The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital (GGH) has announced the 30th annual Black Tie Bingo, taking place March 28, 2026.
Co-presented by Co-operators and Meridian Credit Union, the gala will return to the University of Guelph Event Centre where guests will mark three decades of community generosity and celebration.
Since the very first Black Tie Bingo in 1997, which raised just over $13,000, the annual affair has become one of Guelph’s most anticipated annual fundraising galas.
More than an evening of elegance, it has grown into a community tradition, funding urgently needed patient care equipment at Guelph General Hospital.
“This year’s Black Tie Bingo 30th anniversary is not to be missed!” says Alicia Robertson, co-chair of the 2026 Black Tie Bingo and CEO of Lemonade Life.
“This year’s gala holds incredible meaning as we celebrate three decades of this beloved tradition, while introducing a new element with the Black Tie Bingo Afterparty at the Bullring.”
Black Tie Bingo has raised more than $5.3 million for the hospital over its 30-year run.
A gala supporting the future of healthcare
Proceeds from the 30th anniversary event will support Phase Two of the new community-based medical centre.
As an extension of GGH, the medical centre expands access to diagnostic imaging services, including a second MRI machine.
The centre will open early 2026 at the Guelph campus of Conestoga College.
“The collective impact of the proceeds from Black Tie Bingo will be felt across the community, with the expansion of Guelph General beyond our walls with the new medical centre,” says hospital president and CEO Mark Walton.
“The construction and equipment for our new centre on Speedvale are 100% donor funded; further dollars are needed to support future expansion so we can continue to meet the growing needs of this community.”
Introducing the Black Tie Bingo Afterparty
New this year, Black Tie Bingo guests can keep the celebration going with an exclusive Afterparty experience.
Just steps away from the main gala, the Afterparty will take place at the Bullring – the University of Guelph’s beloved ‘on-campus living room’.
Soak in the nostalgic vibes as you cap off the evening with a live DJ, light bites and cash bar. The Afterparty is a limited, add-on experience available exclusively to gala guests for $30 in honour of the 30th anniversary.
Inspirational Philanthropist Award
At the gala, the Foundation will celebrate this year’s Inspirational Philanthropist Award recipient, Ruth Thatcher, recognizing her legacy of volunteerism.
Thatcher first began volunteering at Guelph General in 1948 by helping in the kitchen and continues to be a part of the Guelph General Hospital Volunteer Association.
From 1995 to 2002, Ruth served as a volunteer member of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital’s board of directors, giving of her time to launch the very first Black Tie Bingo and various other fundraisers over the years.
A loyal donor and volunteer of the hospital for many decades, Ruth has also been active member of Rotary Club of Guelph and St. George’s Anglican Church.
With over 50 years of volunteerism at the hospital and within the community, Ruth is a powerful testament to the impact that can be made by giving the most precious asset – time.
Tickets to both the Black Tie Bingo gala and Afterparty are available now at blacktiebingo.com.
