Morris Gala Evening in Hawaii Raises $28,500 The 14th annual Gala Evening was another success, raising $28,552, making it the second-best one financially. The proceeds of A Gala Evening in Hawaii purchased three of the triple medication and infusion pumps and syringe pumps for the Emergency Department of the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. The triple pumps are especially needed for trauma situations; perhaps the patients have been in a car or farm accident. The triple pumps take up less space allowing the medical staff more room to work while still administering solutions like plasma and medication the patient needs. Syringe pumps are used to provide the delivery of antibiotics to out-patients. The patient does not have to remain in Emergency while the antibiotics are administered, so they are not taking up needed space for in-patients.  "This is equipment the nursing staff says they do not have enough of, and badly need to provide the most efficient care they can to patients in Emergency. Generally, The Health Foundation likes to buy equipment that will be used to provide new services, but our board recognizes the need to provide some upgrading of equipment that our facilities should have", said Ross Fisher, Executive Director of The Health Foundation.
"We know this equipment, especially the triple pumps, make it easier for staff to work on patients in critical situations. We think it’s important to give our medical professionals the tools they need to do the best job they can. The people who benefit from that will be our friends, neighbours or family." Diane Rusnak, Chair of the Gala Committee (right) presented the equipment to Leslie Stamatinos, Director of Therapies for Sunrise Health Region, (centre) at the Gala. At left is Ross Fisher. Over the 14 years of a Gala Evening in Yorkton a total of $285,000 has now been raised and used to purchase medical equipment for the regional health centre. Many businesses support the Gala by providing a quality item for sale in the Silent Auction. The Silent Auction is limited to a select 40 items with a retail value of over $300. This year approximately $11,000 was raised by the silent auction portion of the Gala.  Gala guests receive complimentary portraits and a temporary photography studio is set up in a room adjacent to the hall. Photography by Mitch is the annual photography sponsor for the Gala and once again did a fabulous job.
As well, Bev Belinski of All About Flowers created fabulous centerpieces for each table, (photo at right) incorporating flowers from Hawaii in the display. The centerpieces are works of art and annually All About Flowers donates this service to the Gala. Bryce and Lorna Sherring of Sherring Gold Jewellers donated a lovely stand of Grey Cultured pearls with a 14 ct gold clasp, with matching earrings and bracelet. The raffle for the pearls raised an additional $1,900. Gala always has a live band, and due to popular demand, for several years has brought back the band Carnival from Regina. 
The members of the Gala Evening in Hawaii organizing committee are Chair Diane Rusnak, Brigitte Carl, Ruth Hahn, Mary Anne Trischuk, Sandra Ruff, Ross Fisher, Carrie Powell, Vange Vallaster, Maxine Woodward, Debbie Blommaert and Wendy Zaporosky.
The presenting sponsor is Morris Industries.
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