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Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation is overwhelmed and honoured to share that the Care Gala, a signature fundraiser, raised over $500,000 in support of hospice palliative care in South Georgian Bay.
The Care Gala was held Saturday, Sept. 27, at Blue Mountain Resort.
This year’s event embraced the theme It’s the Little Things, a reminder that moments of comfort, dignity, and connection are at the heart of hospice care.
“The Care Gala was a moving reminder of the love and generosity that surrounds hospice,” said Sandra Sullivan, executive director of the Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation.
“The way our community came together with generosity and compassion made the evening truly uplifting. Every gift made that evening will help ensure that patients and families receive the care, dignity, and comfort they deserve. We can’t thank you enough.”
In addition to raising funds for the day-to-day operations at Campbell House, the gala supported 10 new beds for patient suites. They are called cuddle beds and allow patients and their loved ones to lie side by side, making it possible to share precious moments holding hands, resting together, and simply being close in the final days. It is the little things, like providing physical closeness for families, that truly define hospice care.
Highlights of the evening included the impact auction that raised $189,900 (and counting) in gifts that were matched up to $100,000 by Peter Seligman and Dianne McDermid Seligman. A special tribute given by Heather Garner in memory of her mother, Susan Le Feuvre, showed the impact of their family’s experience at Campbell House and a final living wish granted to them this spring.
Mountain Ridge Custom Homes, owned by Gord Zeggil, generously contributed a custom home renovation project valued at $50,000, a highlight of the live auction.
Fundraising for the Care Gala is generated through silent, live, and impact auctions, as well as sponsorships, a matching gift, and a raffle.
The gala was chaired by Paula Zubek, who shared the impact staff and volunteers at Campbell House had when her mom spent her final days there. She was one of the first patients to come through the house after its doors opened over 10 years ago.
“It is an honour to celebrate the impact Hospice Georgian Triangle has on so many patients and families, including my own. I will always remember the comfort and dignity we experienced during such a difficult time. I am proud to help ensure that other families can share in the same compassionate care,” says Paula Zubek, event chair and Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation board member.
Many current and past board and committee members attended, representing both Hospice Georgian Triangle and the Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation, including Hospice Georgian Triangle and Foundation board chairs David West and Blaine Bell.
“At the heart of Hospice Georgian Triangle is our dedicated team, over 60 staff and 120 volunteers who bring their very best to every bedside, every conversation, and every last moment. I am proud to be part of this incredible group and grateful every day for the privilege of doing work I love,” said Lisa Wright, South Georgian Bay palliative care clinical coach, speaking on behalf of Hospice Georgian Triangle’s leadership.
Wright also represented the Living Wish program, as a former co-founder of the Living Wish Foundation.
Next year’s Care Gala will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 at Blue Mountain Resort.
