The Memorial Hospital Foundation raised $577,000 at its gala fundraiser earlier this month, enough and more for a new mammography machine. 

 The Foundation went into the annual gala, An Evening with Jim Cuddy, on May 2 with $700,000 raised for the new diagnostic imaging machine over two years of dedicated fundraising. It came out with $1,277,000. Any surplus funds will be directed toward the building of the new hospital.

The funds were generated from the sale of $250 tickets, live and silent auctions, and impromptu donations from gala attendees. The highlight of the evening was the “Fund-a-Cause” cash auction, during which 42 donors pledged outright gifts that were matched dollar-for-dollar up to $150,000, thanks to the PECMH Auxiliary. 

The live auction featured a 1963 vintage Vespa, two private boat tours, and a two-night stay at the gorgeous boutique inn, Mirazule, on the water in South Bay. 

“The Auxiliary is proud to support this initiative and to see the community rally so strongly behind it,” said Sharon Morcom, PECMH Auxiliary chairperson. “Reaching this milestone together is something we can all celebrate.” 

The evening brought together community leaders, donors, supporters, and volunteers for a memorable experience featuring an intimate live performance by Jim Cuddy and Friends. The over 200 guests at the sold-out gala wore plaid in honour of the event theme, “celebrating the fabric of our community.”

In her remarks, Foundation Director Shannon Coull noted the generosity of event host Compass Rose Suites, and the offerings of some of the County’s most celebrated chefs and restaurants, including Bocado, La Condesa, The Drake Devonshire, Flame + Smith, Chef Jamie Kennedy, PECish Bakery, The Royal Hotel, Stella’s Eatery, and Summerwind Catering. Drinks came from Huff Estates, Closson Chase, Rosehall Run, Prince Eddy’s Brewery, Slake, Gillingham, and County Cider. Event sponsors included McDougall Insurance and RBC Dominion Securities and Wealth Management.

“This is what community looks like,” said Ms. Coull. “To see this level of generosity in one evening, and to fully activate the Auxiliary’s match, is incredibly meaningful. Together, we are ensuring life-saving breast cancer screening is available close to home.”

The evening also featured a patient perspective from Moira Coull, Shannon Coull’s mother, whose story underscored the importance of early access to diagnostic imaging. Ms. Coull Senior emerged healthy after the early detection of breast cancer.

“This evening was a celebration of the fabric of our community—woven together by generosity, connection, and a shared commitment to local health care,” said Peter Morch, volunteer event chairperson. 

“From the plaid theme to the incredible support from our sponsors and attendees, it was a true reflection of what makes Prince Edward County so special. We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the night so memorable.”

“The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the lead sponsors, and all the other event sponsors, volunteers, donors, and everyone who contributed to the success of the evening,” said Foundation Director Ms. Coull.