Black Tie Bingo raises $464,000 in support of Guelph General Hospital’s Speedvale campus

GUELPH – Celebrating 30 years, the annual Black Tie Bingo returned to the University of Guelph Event Centre on March 28 for a milestone evening in support of Guelph General Hospital (GGH). 

Presented by Co-operators and Meridian Credit Union, the evening brought together sponsors, donors, volunteers and guests in support of exceptional local healthcare.

The fundraising gala raised $464,000 in net proceeds, supporting phase two of GGH’s new Speedvale Campus, which will house endoscopy and the orthopedic fracture clinic and further expand care to the growing Guelph-Wellington community. 

Together, contributions from the gala will fund the construction of the first orthopedic fracture exam room at the Speedvale Campus, while also making headway on the further needs of the new facility.

“For 30 years, Black Tie Bingo has been a powerful reflection of what this community can accomplish when people come together in support of local healthcare,” said Foundation of Guelph General Hospital CEO Julie Bycyznski.

“This year’s gala was both a celebration of that legacy and an inspiring reminder that donors continue to play a critical role in shaping the future of care close to home.” 

Gala guests took part in thrilling rounds of bingo, bid generously on an exciting line up of live and silent auction experiences and raised their hands with enthusiastic support of the new Speedvale Campus, officials say.  

During the gala’s Live Fundraising Moment, Layne “The Auctionista” brought guests together to fully fund the first fracture exam room to be built during the phase-two expansion of GGH’s Speedvale Campus. 

The evening then ended on a high note when former GGH staff member Flora Anderson surprised the room with a $50,000 donation.

At the gala, the foundation also presented this year’s Inspirational Philanthropist Award to Ruth Thatcher, recognizing a legacy of giving back over 50 years. 

Thatcher’s volunteerism began at GGH in 1948, and she continues to be a part of the Guelph General Hospital Volunteer Association to this day. 

Her role as a volunteer member on The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital’s board of directors saw her play a pivotal role in launching the first Black Tie Bingo. 

Honouring Thatcher on Black Tie Bingo’s milestone 30th anniversary was a meaningful way to celebrate the lasting impact of her decades of service and dedication, officials say.

“Events like Black Tie Bingo only happen because an entire community comes together,” said Black Tie Bingo co-chair Andrew Anderson. 

“We are deeply thankful to the sponsors, donors, prize contributors and guests for helping make this event so impactful.”

The foundation also extends heartfelt thanks to the many businesses, community partners and volunteers whose support helped bring the event to life. 

“Their generosity continues to ensure that Guelph General Hospital can invest in urgently needed equipment and expand access to care for the growing community,” officials say.

Since its inception in 1997, Black Tie Bingo has raised more than $5.3 million in support of GGH, helping fund more than 100 essential pieces of patient care equipment. 

For more information visit gghfoundation.ca.