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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, October 9, 2014 | 18 Diwali gala benefits new Oakville hospital Farah Kazim Halton Multicultural Council My View O n Sept. 26, the second annual Diwali Fundraising Gala Dinner in support of the Oakville hospital was held as the Burlington Convention Centre graciously opened its doors as host. Five hundred excited guests were greeted by volunteers and community members alike during the reception as the commencement of the Festival of Lights illuminated a warm glow and added an effervescent aura to the evening. Attendees were resplendent in myriad vibrant colours and bejewelled outfits, gathered in unison in the common goal of generously contributing to the success of the new hospital. This edifice, the newest addition to the north Oakville landscape slated to open in December 2015, will act as a beacon, to light the way for a state-of-theart facility that provides medical care par excellence. Traditionally, Diwali is heralded as a celebration of thanks for events past, an appreciation of the dawn of the present and acknowledgment of hope for the future. Indeed, it is a joyous and auspicious occasion for honouring family, friends and loved ones in the community, during which gold and silver coins are given as a token of good luck and prosperity. To complement this tradition, platinum, gold and silver sponsors honoured the theme through their generous donations. Anita Anand, foundation board member, recognized that it is through the respective efforts of Forestwood Homes, CPS Flooring, CTI Working Environments, Institute of Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, and Scotiabank that this fundraising gala was possible. Guests were treated to live entertainment including performances by violinist Grenville Pinto, magic tricks from Raman Sharma and songs by Juno Award-winner and Oakville native Anjulie. Sumptuous Indian cuisine was provided by the Host Restaurant, which comprised a diverse blend of exotic appetizers, main course dishes and assorted desserts. Fundraising efforts were further enhanced through the evening agenda by a number of activities such as silent and live auctions, casino and raffles, replete with blackjack and roulette games as well as the highlight of the evening "Cause within a cause," wherein generous donations were made to purchase four fetal monitors to assess the health and delivery At a recent Diwali community fundraiser in support of the Oakville Hospital Foundation are pictured, from left: Tina Triano, Oakville Hospital Foundation CEO; Farah Kazim; Michelle Kerby of the hospital foundation; Halton Healthcare Services (HHS) president and CEO Denise Hardenne; and Anthony Hardenne. | photo by Inger MacKenzie - special to the Beaver of neonatal infants. The evening was a stunning success as the event netted $130,000. Anand took the opportunity to render a vote of thanks to Christie Henderson (chair of the board of directors), Eve Willis (board member and campaign co-chair), and Tina Triano (CEO of the Oakville Hospital Foundation), as well as to Denise Hardenne, the new Halton Healthcare Services president and CEO, for her compassion and commitment to patient care. This successful gala affair certainly sets the stage for other continuing fundraising efforts in support of the Oakville hospital. IB/ALP Open House October 22nd @ 7pm -Are you an academically motivated student? -Do you love to learn? Halton.ca 311 Be prepared for an emergency Get to know the 3 steps To prepare for an emergency in your home: White Oaks has Oakville's largest t IB Diploma Programme Check out our IB results: http://wossweb.com/pdf/IBstatsMay2013.pdf 1. Know the risks 2. Make a plan 3. Get a kit Download a copy of Emergency Preparedness: Your Personal Guide today at Halton.ca/beprepared. Learn about flooding prevention and recovery Halton Region's new Guide to Flooding Prevention & Recovery includes: · · · · Flood prevention and response checklist Understanding Halton's water drainage system Protecting your family and your home Clean up tips and protecting your health 091014 Questions? Contact : Maureen Paci pacim@hdsb.ca 905.845.5200 x 234 White Oaks Secondary School South Campus 1330 Montclair Drive Visit Halton.ca/flood for a free copy. Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings.