Being charitable never looked so good

Young models smiled as they took the stage for one last time. The Rouge Valley Health System Foundation held their second annual fashion show on November 7th at the Momiji Centre.  

Double can be trouble for some, but for the Rouge Valley Health System Foundation, doubling the size of their second annual fashion show meant doubling the benefits for the hospital.

The RVHS Foundation, along with Sears of Scarborough Town Centre, held their fundraiser at the Momiji Centre on Nov. 7.  The event included a silent auction, prize draws, wine tastings and runway show.

All of the proceeds raised from the event will go towards purchasing new medical equipment and bankrolling expansion projects for Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering Hospital and Rouge Valley Centenary.

The sold-out venue was due in part to the 20 committee members who worked to up the show’s size from last year.

“We felt that if we were going to continue it, it had to grow,” Ann Moore, representative from the RVHS board of directors, said. “We added different vendors as a bit of a drawing card and we also started [the event] earlier so you could browse the silent auction or purchase from one of the vendors.  We were out to make it bigger.”

Vendors showcased their pieces by selling scarves, flower baskets and jewelry.  Sears also donated gift baskets for the silent auction.

“We wanted our show not to be just a fashion show,” RVHS spokesman Jessica Vreugdenhil said.  “But we wanted to really get the community involved in the hospital and we appreciate their help.”

As more volunteers and committee members joined, the guest list swelled to 200 people.  A larger group of guests meant greater responsibilities for the committee, Maureen Dowhaniuk, the foundation’s manager of special events, said.

“This committee made sure that every dollar that was possible would go to the bottom line rather than to the expenses,” Dowhaniuk said. “Everybody was really cautious as to how they spent their money.”

Much of the decorations and supplies were donated or provided at lower costs, she said.

As the show came to a close, director Yvonne Snider was asked if the fundraiser would be expanding next year.

“Of course, the goal is to make as much money as possible for the hospital so we’re hoping for bigger and better, next year,” she said with a laugh.

About this article

By: Sarina Adamo
Posted: Nov 11 2010 11:12 am
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Filed under: Arts & Life
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