The Belleville General Hospital Foundation’s (BGHF) Under the Big Top Gala has officially become the most successful fundraising event in foundation history, generating both the highest gross and highest net revenue ever achieved through a single BGHF event.
The sold-out gala generated $848,913.36 in gross revenue, including gift in kind, and $741,090.65 in net revenue, establishing new foundation records in both categories while supporting specialized neonatal equipment and priority needs within the perinatal and paediatrics department at Quinte Health Belleville General Hospital.
Held Saturday, September 12 at CAA Arena, Under the Big Top welcomed more than 350 guests for an immersive evening of entertainment, dining and giving.
“This is a historic result for our Foundation and, more importantly, a testament to the extraordinary generosity of this community,” said Alec Bauer, Interim Executive Director of BGHF. “To generate $848,913.36 in gross revenue and $741,090.65 in net revenue through a single event is an extraordinary achievement. This record belongs to our community and represents what is possible when people come together around a shared belief that families in our region deserve exceptional care, right here at home.”
Presented by title sponsors McDougall Insurance and CIBC Wood Gundy Brady Clark Advisory Group, the Gala raised enough to fully support its original neonatal equipment goal, with additional funds allowing BGHF to support other priority equipment needs within the hospital’s perinatal and paediatrics unit.
The fundraising portion of the evening began with two transformational gifts. The McDougall family presented a $100,000 donation, while an additional $100,000 anonymous gift was presented by members of the hospital’s paediatric team in attendance.
For BGHF Board Chair Lorne McDougall, supporting neonatal care at BGH carries personal significance.
“This is incredibly meaningful for our community and, more specifically, for our family,” said McDougall. “Our family has experienced firsthand the fear and uncertainty that comes when a newborn requires specialized care. In those moments, nothing matters more than knowing your child is receiving the care they need and having your family together. Seeing this community come together to help other families receive that care closer to home is incredibly meaningful, and we are proud to be part of it.”
Keeping our smallest patients close to home
Funds raised through Under the Big Top will help purchase specialized equipment needed to support Belleville General Hospital’s move toward Level 2B NICU care, allowing the team to care for smaller and more premature babies closer to home.
Equipment includes neonatal warmers, cardiac monitors, respiratory support technology, isolettes and phototherapy equipment. Strengthening neonatal care locally will help reduce the need for transfers outside the region and keep more babies and families together during critical moments.
“This is about so much more than equipment,” said Stacey Daub, President and CEO of Quinte Health. “It means more babies can receive the care they need here in our community, and more families can stay close to their baby during those first critical days. The generosity we saw at the gala will have a lasting impact on the babies and families we care for.”
A night to remember
Under the Big Top transformed the CAA Arena for an evening featuring Quinte Elite Dancers, mentalist Buzz Collins, Circus Universe aerialists Olga and Violet, illusionist Edwin and DJ K Lav.
Guests also enjoyed fresh popcorn and cotton candy from Happy Popcorn Co., roaming entertainment from Happy Buddha, hula hooper Deejay and Circus Universe, a photo booth courtesy of Taylor Russett Photography, an interactive experience from County Axe, along with cakesicles and cake pops by Em’s Sweet Studio.
Longtime community auctioneer Boyd Sullivan led the live auction, marking his final charitable auction for BGHF before retirement.
BGHF extends its sincere gratitude to title sponsors McDougall Insurance and CIBC Wood Gundy Brady Clark Advisory Group, along with every sponsor, event partner, auction donor, performer, vendor, volunteer and guest who contributed to the success of Under the Big Top.
Special recognition is also extended to the staff of the Belleville General Hospital Foundation, whose work behind the scenes helped make the record-setting evening possible.
“I could not be prouder of our foundation team,” said Bauer. “An event of this size takes months of planning, creativity, problem-solving and an incredible amount of work that most people never see. Our staff embraced the vision, took ownership and worked together to deliver something truly special. To see their efforts culminate in the most successful fundraising event in our foundation’s history is something they should all be incredibly proud of.”
Most importantly, the impact of Under the Big Top will extend far beyond one evening. The funds will fulfill the gala’s goal of supporting specialized neonatal equipment while allowing BGHF to invest additional funds into priority equipment needs within perinatal and paediatrics at Belleville General Hospital.
For more information about the Belleville General Hospital Foundation and how you can support healthcare close to home, visit bghf.ca.
