Newsroom
April 11, 2019
Children’s Hospital Jeans & Jewels Gala Celebrates Final Year of Construction
The countdown has begun to the opening of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and fundraising for urgently needed equipment and technology continued in earnest over the weekend. Guests at the 2019 Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Jeans & Jewels Gala presented by Mosaic helped raise over $202,600 to help babies, kids, moms-to-be and families of Saskatchewan.
The construction-themed gala was held at a new venue this year at World Trade Centre Saskatoon at Prairieland Park where over 600 guests enjoyed a champagne and appetizer reception, dinner, candy bar, photo booth, live and silent auction items, as well as entertainment by Saskatchewan’s own Men Without Shame.
“This year’s Jeans & Jewels Gala presented by Mosaic was uniquely special as it celebrated the final year of construction on Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital,” said Sarah Fedorchuk, Vice-President, Public Affairs and Government Relations for Mosaic. “With more than 2,200 employees here in Saskatchewan, it is important to Mosaic to support the hospital and this event. We are proud to have played a role in bringing a state-of-the-art facility to our province, which will have such a positive impact on Saskatchewan children and families.”
In its 7th year as one of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s signature fundraisers, funds raised this year are going to support equipment, technology and furnishings at the new Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, set to open this fall.
“’Hope Under Construction’ is so much more than a tagline for this year’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Jeans & Jewels Gala. The people of Saskatchewan, those who have stepped forward to demonstrate their commitment and support for our province’s families, are truly building hope,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, president and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “This year, Saskatchewan’s first-ever dedicated maternal and children’s hospital will open its doors. It’s the hope from dedicated people across Saskatchewan that is bringing this much-needed project to life. We are so thankful to those who share our vision of healthier futures for our families.”
The evening took a heartwarming turn when 12-year-old Blake Wheeler stepped up to the podium to share his story of heartbreak and triumph over the challenges he faced in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Blake was born dangerously early at 26 weeks gestation with his twin brother, Noah, who tragically did not survive. With the odds stacked against him, Blake fought for his life until he was released from the hospital after 110 days.
“My role as Champion Child means that I can honour my twin brother Noah and represent kids across Saskatchewan who need a children’s hospital,” said Blake. “By helping sick and injured kids, and premature babies like I once was, I hope that we can all make a difference together.”
“Seeing another successful year at Jeans & Jewels is highly rewarding as a volunteer,” said Erin Evans of the Jeans & Jewels Volunteer Committee. “We are so excited that the children’s hospital is opening this year and we look forward to continuing our efforts at Jeans & Jewels in the future to help ensure kids across the province always have access to the care they need.”
Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation would like to extend a sincere thank you to the generous Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Jeans & Jewels Gala sponsors: Mosaic, TD Bank Group, Broda Group, Saskatchewan Blue Cross, Save-On-Foods, Graham Construction, Conexus Credit Union, Sofina Foods, Park Derochie, Saskatoon Media Group, Loraas Disposal, KPCL Dirt Movers, FFUN group, Air Canada Foundation, Lifelabs, SaskTel, William Joseph Communications, WTC Saskatoon – Prairieland Park, Handy Special Events, UNO Printing, CAA Saskatchewan, Armed With Harmony Music Services, Studio10, Lisa Landrie, RE/MAX, Koncept Sign Group, Stor-X Organizing Systems, Dino Box and Impact Marketing.
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