Roaring 20s Be an Angel Gala raises $103,000

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Be an Angel Gala transported attendees to the Roaring 20s for an evening on November 4th and raised $103,000 in the process.

“The Be an Angel Gala is the foundation’s opportunity to share what we do with a large captive audience while raising funds for our cause,” said Kelly Amboe, FSJ Hospital Foundation’s Executive Director. 

“Each year, with new guests in attendance, we cast our net a little wider, ensuring a positive future for local healthcare.”

The foundation’s decorating committee, comprised of many volunteers, transformed the Ralph Pomeroy ballroom at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre into a roaring 20s haven.

Guests were welcomed to the Pomeroy with a 1923 Ford Model T Coupe, displayed by owner Clarke Oakley.

The foundation said guests arrived in their best flapper fashion to a champagne tower donated by Brenna Burns, with table settings that included the Be an Angel pin sponsored by Pomeroy & Gentles Barristers and Solicitors.

Jim and Margaret Little and Wyatt and Twila Soule sponsored the wine.

Peace River North MLA Dan Davies said the gala is always an incredible event to attend.

“I am always so proud of this community and how it supports,” Davies said.

“The hospital foundation does such incredible work in supporting unique needs in our community’s healthcare. Thank you to all the organizers, the staff and all the attendees for making this event a success again.”

Home Hardware in Fort St. John, under the leadership of Doug and Shelley Gallinger, received the Janet Taylor Award for their commitment to volunteering and contributing their time, talent and financial resources to the FSJ Hospital Foundation.

The I Remember quilt was auctioned off as well, as it is each year. The quilt is an opportunity for someone to honour the memory of a loved one by adding their name to the border of the quilt, which will then be displayed in the Fort St. John Hospital.

This year, Hubert Baumeister’s name will be sewn into the quilt, as his family and friends emerged as the winning bidder with their record bid of $21,000. 

Last year, the quilt auction raised $16,500, and Roxanne Jaschke’s name was added.

For one night only, guests were treated to a band assembled by Deb Butler called the Roaring Ramblers, sponsored by Chris and Glynnis Maundrell of Adlard Environmental.

The Roaring Ramblers was comprised of local talents, including Deb Butler on vocals and acoustic guitar, Todd Koponyas on drums, Landis Dell on jazz guitar, Brian Collins on keyboard and upright bass, Ed Clarke on vocals, electric guitar and bass, and Gordon Gentles on trumpet.