"Love Your Life" Valentine's Gala 2009 - A Fun and Successful Evening!

Saturday, February 14, 2009, marked Hopewell’s inaugural “Love Your Life” Valentine’s Gala. With over 200 people attending the event, more than $10,000 was raised for Hopewell, Eastern Ontario’s only eating disorder support centre.

Special thanks to: our Event Partner, Hilton Garden Inn; our Media Partner, Sun Media Group; and to the 23 businesses or individuals who provided the fantastic silent auction items – everything ranging from wonderful gift baskets, recliner chair, and spa products, to singing lessons, designer dresses, and week-long cottage stays. These interesting items made it easy for people to open their hearts … and their wallets.

Event partner, Hilton Garden Inn (Ottawa Airport) www.ottawaairport.hgi.com created a unique and very popular “Hopewelltini”, and kindly donated $2 to the cause from each one sold. They also provided hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, room decorations, and a wonderful supporting staff. The donated “Everything Hilton” luxurious weekend getaway, worth over $1000, was also raffled off as part of the fundraising efforts. The lucky winning couple will enjoy two nights in a Hilton Garden Inn suite, two breakfasts and dinners, wine and a his and hers gift basket.

Media partner, Sun Media Group, provided the emcee for the evening and promoted the Gala event in the Ottawa Sun and 24 Hours newspapers for several weeks in advance. This promotion contributed to selling tickets, and perhaps more importantly, helped to raise awareness about Hopewell.

Live music by the Showtime Party Band www.showtimepartyband.com , kept the dance floor packed with a range of music styles, providing something for everyone. There was also a portrait photographer onsite to capture the guests looking their best.

The six volunteers staffing the event, and the six-person planning committee, made this event a reality and the success it was. Guests are already asking about next year’s event. So mark your calendars now!

THE 2010 HOPEWELL “LOVE YOUR LIFE” VALENTINES GALA will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2010. Come on out and see why everyone is talking about this event … and celebrate your life.