VJH Foundation Charity Classic Raises Record Amount

The Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation is thrilled to announce the outstanding success of the recent Charity Classic golf tournament, which took place on September 10, 2023, at Predator Ridge. Thanks to the enduring support of generous sponsors and enthusiastic community participation, a record-breaking $380,000 was raised to continue advancing excellence in healthcare within the North Okanagan. 

This year’s tournament, which included a day of golf and live auction, was the most successful to date.

"We are profoundly touched by the generosity of our donors and sponsors in our North Okanagan community," noted Kate McBrearty, Executive Director at the Foundation. "The support of our Fund-a-Need program, where participants purchased much needed equipment throughout the hospital, gave a tremendous morale boost to our medical teams. Participants amazed us even more, with the purchase of a vital piece of equipment for our surgical teams. This year’s event was truly magical."

For the first time, the Charity Classic’s gala reception was emceed by local Paralympic gold medalist, Josh Dueck. Josh fostered a sense of community spirit in the room in a truly special and unforgettable way; and reminded everyone of the incredible impact that healthcare can have on individuals in our community, and their loved ones. 

"When I walked into the room the crowd was buzzing, and I knew it was going to be an extraordinary evening,” noted Don Raffan, who has been the Charity Classic's auctioneer for a number of years. “In my fifty-one years as an auctioneer, this night was truly a highlight and the best I've ever sold. It was such an honor to be part of the team again this year – the success of this event is a testament to the power of community and teamwork." 

The Foundation extends a heartfelt thank you to all sponsors, volunteers, and community members who played an integral part in making this year's Charity Classic the best year yet. These exceptional contributors – including Title Sponsor, The Paul Docksteader Foundation; Venue Sponsor, Predator Ridge; and Platinum Sponsors, Black & McDonald, Kal Tire, and Lake City Casinos – have consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Charity Classic and Foundation's initiatives year after year.

Additional funds were also raised at this year's Classic to address a crucial need within the Vernon Jubilee Hospital’s surgical program. Known for having one of the busiest surgical programs in the province, acquiring a new backup state-of-the-art anesthetic machine was imperative to meet these needs. While operating at full capacity, it's essential for the hospital to be able to maintain exceptional care and efficiency to patients.