“It’s about people”: WRHN Foundation announces more than $1 million in fundraising at Insiders Gala
Special Feature
Gala brings donors and healthcare teams together to advance care through dazzling, interactive spectacle – while unveiling new, mysterious event.
In a room filled with donors, community builders, care team members, and senior hospital and foundation leaders, individuals who are building, transforming, and inspiring the future of care in Waterloo Region came together on Oct. 20 to support Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) at WRHN Foundation’s Insiders Gala.
A total fundraising amount of $1,068,000 was announced. Nearly $600,000 was raised by the 250 attendees in the room, including an anonymous $250,000 donation. An additional $481,000 gift from Grand River Hospital Volunteer Association (GRHVA) was unveiled in support of the Foundation’s upcoming holiday Wish Book campaign.
At the end of the night, guests were treated to a surprise spectacle inviting them to accept their next mission in supporting local healthcare: a mysterious new gala set for June 3, 2027.
A unique, interactive experience
Under the bold backdrop of the Tapestry Hall in Cambridge, the Insiders Gala offered guests an exclusive opportunity to connect and converse with hospital team members to learn how the generosity of the community powers care forward.
“Through the Insiders Gala, our donor family got a glimpse of the impact they have had and can continue to have on care at WRHN,” says Doug Earle, CEO of WRHN Foundation.
As we continue to build the future of care in Waterloo Region, donor support will be crucial.
WRHN’s team in the spotlight
Throughout the evening, more than 40 members of WRHN’s care team and leadership swapped tables between courses, allowing them to meet different guests and share stories.
Among those in attendance were: CEO and President Ron Gagnon; Chief of Staff, Dr. Anirudh Goel; VP or Redevelopment Kate Traianapolous; Chief and Medical Director of Surgery, Dr. Vinita Bindlish; Director of the Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program, Sara Kaune; and Director of Infrastructure Planning and Redevelopment, Sylvia Rodas.
Emceed by Dave Keystone, the night featured speeches by Gagnon, Earle and Dr. Goel, along with two touching patient stories from Lane Burman and Maryam Latifpoor-Keparoutis.
Impact in focus: patient stories
For Lane, the Cardiac Device Clinic at WRHN @ Queen’s Blvd., has become a permanent fixture in his life as he deals with a rare heart condition. Lane first went into cardiac arrest in December, 2016 when he was just 40 years old.
His cardiologist, Dr. Gabe Acosta, got teary-eyed as he greeted Lane on stage for a big hug.
“Exceptional physicians, nurses, and technicians don't just happen to work in the same hospital by accident. They need an environment where they can do exceptional work,” Lane said in his speech.
Talent and technology belong together. And your generosity helps make that possible.
Patient Maryam gave a touching tribute to WRHN’s NICU team for the care her family received 14 years ago when she needed emergency surgery at WRHN @ Midtown.
Her son Ethan, who was at the gala with his mom and dad, spent 12 weeks in the NICU. Every year on his birthday, the family returns to say thank you to the team members that saved his life.
“Many donors may never meet our son or learn what became of the tiny baby whose life their generosity helped protect and make possible. But we know,” Maryam said.
Every birthday, every milestone, every laugh around our dinner table is a reminder that their generosity continues to live.
The people behind the care
A cohesive theme ran through the evening’s speeches. As Earle noted: “Tonight is about people.”
“It’s about everyone who generously supports WRHN, both inside and outside our walls,” he said. “You are the leaders who inspire exceptional care every day. Ultimately, it’s you who shape the care patients receive – care that 1.4 million people, or 1 in 10 Ontarians, depend on.”
The event featured a “Fund-A-Need,” portion where guests contributed to WRHN’s most urgent equipment needs. One donor stepped up with a $50,000 gift. Several others came forward with varying amounts from $1,000 to $25,000 to fund specialized equipment, including CT scanners, mammography units, radiation technology upgrades, and other tools that transform patient care.
Unveiling “Mission: Possible” - will you join us?
During dessert, WRHN Foundation surprised guests by unveiling their next big event – the Mission: Possible gala on June 3, 2027 – in unexpected fashion.
The screen behind Keystone started to glitch as the lights in the room changed. Then, donor Gavin Sargent handed the emcee a briefcase. As Keystone opened it, a video played behind him, calling on donors to continue supporting WRHN as the community moves closer to the planned build of a new acute hospital in North Waterloo.
While some details of the Mission: Possible gala remain top secret - for now - the video invited donors to attend the event, donate directly, or join an Inside WRHN tour.
Reserve your spot for Mission: Possible
Join us for an unforgettable evening dedicated to improving access to care, close to home.