Maison Vale Hospice goes under the big top

Maison Vale Hospice welcomed nearly 500 people to their annual fundraiser gala, held Nov. 19 at the Caruso Club.

The palliative care facility is entering its eighth year. The yearly galas not only provide a boost in funding but also raise awareness about Maison Vale and the need for palliative care.

“We find tonight is an opportunity to celebrate and to remember and reflect and it's also one of our largest fundraisers to put money back into the institution,” said Maison Vale Hospice board chair Kevin McCormick.

“We have hundreds of volunteers and dedicated staff and board members who give up their time and expertise and the hospice is truly a place of life and hope and I fell very blessed to be able to help out by serving as the board chair this year.”

The event's theme this year was “under the big top” and was an homage to a vintage circus. Dancers from Spotlight Dance Company performed throughout the banquet hall, magicians and jugglers perused the lobby, entertaining those who passed by.

“There's tons of fun photo ideas and fun drinks and I think the theme adds a lot of energy to the evening,” said Janik Guy, public relations and events coordinator, Maison Vale Hospice.

“It's great to see lots of familiar faces out here tonight and the community support is really appreciated, this is one of our major fundraising events for the year.”

Guy says that the November gala is a wrap up of sorts and the combination of ticket sales, silent auctions, a live auction, and donations is a big contributor towards the facility reaching their goal of $1 million raised annually.

“It's a very important time for the hospice right now, over the course of the year we have our hike for hospice in May which is a big money maker for us, as is the live butterfly release,” said Guy.

“Throughout the evening we're displaying pictures from the past year, we're giving out awards, so this is very much to celebrate the year that has just passed.”