September 16, 2022
Rosé Soirée returned to the open-air St. Boniface Cathedral Ruins on Wednesday, September 7 to spectacular effect.
On a beautiful night with nary a cloud above, some 300 guests gathered to mix, mingle, and give generously for critical cardiac care in the Emergency Department at St. Boniface Hospital.
The event raised $150,000 through ticket sales, sponsorship support, the Bid to Be a Lifeline silent auction featuring more than 20 prize packages, a raffle to win a Simon Imports diamond pendant, and the live auction to fund vital emergency equipment.
In her welcome address, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation President and CEO Karen Fowler said now is the moment for a generational and transformational investment in emergency care.
Now is the moment
“Repeatedly, our community of donors have rallied in support of life-changing advancements for patients at the Hospital. With your attendance and generous support tonight, you will help redevelop the Emergency Department and create the Emergency Department that Manitobans deserve.”
She made special mention of the many doctors, researchers, and health care staff in attendance.
“Thank you for your commitment to your patients and your colleagues. I know you have demanding roles and busy lives. We are honoured you have chosen to share some of your free time with us.”
Construction on the new Emergency Department at St. Boniface Hospital began in April. Foundation donors will help renovate 18,600-sq.-ft. of existing space and add 86,200-sq.-ft in new construction for a facility will have numerous features to improve patient care.
Doctors speak on impact of donor generosity
Guest speaker Dr. Paul Ratana, Medical Director of the St. Boniface Emergency Department, expressed excitement and appreciation on behalf of his colleagues.
“As Emergency caregivers, we are so encouraged and excited about what this renewal means for our ability to take care of our patients.
“The new Emergency Department will take in CT scanning, Ultrasound diagnostics, X-rays, and lab work directly in the same footprint. But all the best equipment and best-designed physical spaces mean little without compassion and empathy.
“I want to thank all of you for your generosity,” Ratana told the audience. “We’re grateful you’re on our team.”
Interventional cardiologist and clinician-researcher Dr. Shuangbo Liu spoke of the collaboration that enables outstanding care at St. Boniface Hospital.
“When a patient with a cardiac condition arrives at St. Boniface Hospital, the Emergency Department and Cardiac Sciences teams work together seamlessly to deliver the best care.
“When you support critical cardiac care in our Emergency Department, you are supporting your family, friends and our community.”
Through the evening, guests enjoyed an eclectic setlist from the Luminous String Quartet. They also indulged in creative culinary creations from local chefs, coordinated by WOW Hospitality with impeccable wine pairings from De Nardi.
Just after Foundation Board Chair Carmine Militano announced the grand fundraising total, a stunning display of fireworks lit the night sky – capping off Rosé Soirée in fittingly celebratory style.
St. Boniface Hospital Foundation thanks Nicole Dubé, emcee; and every Rosé Soirée sponsor, patron, and vendor for their kindness, generosity, and expertise.
Find more Rosé Soirée photos on Facebook and Twitter @stbhf.
Let’s build the emergency department our community deserves! Donate today