BRHC Doubles Down on Popular Fundraising Event

Obviously last year was a big enough of a hit to do it again or let it ride so to speak as the second annual Vintage Vegas night has been set for Friday, April 22nd at Imperial Ballroom of the Vic Inn. We recently spoke with Gail Janz (Foundation Assistant) to get an update on how things are going as they approach the big night of the event. Janz says they would like to surpass the 200 mark for this edition of the event, "Last year the event was well received with 175 tickets sold and 165 attending the event. All told I believe everyone had a great time and with over $10,000 in prizes last year many went away winners! We would love to see 250 join us this year and encourage everyone to get your tickets soon!"

Janz says the committee really stepped up to add some flair and provide the true classic Vegas experience, "Some of the committee members dressed up in the Vintage Vegas era apparell. We also had appearances by Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Liza Minnelli, and a few gangsters for security! There were lots more costumes by those in attendance and we look forward to that again for this year!" Speaking of creating the true "Vegas" experience, you can't pull that off without gambling and Janz says they've got just the right operation to pull that off, "C&B Casinos & Entertainment is back again with all the fixins of Vegas style casino – slot machines, craps table, roulette, poker, horse races, pig races, golf simulator and more!"

Tickets are $40.00 and that entitles you to a great night of fun that includes, "Your ticket provides you with $500 play money when you come in and 5 tickets for the casino bucket draw – prizes you can win from winnings earned. Our decorating committee has some fabulous ideas this year and you should feel like you are in Vegas! Expressions Entertainment will be providing the Vintage Vegas beats of the 50’s and 60’s – sure to have you dancing in the casino!" Janz says there will be more entertainment announced soon and we'll have that update here at www.BDNMB.ca as soon as they dot the i's and cross the T's. Also included in the ticket price is a chance to win 2 return flights anywhere WestJet flies. (some restrictions apply)!  This was one of the big features for last year's event and for those wondering where the winners ended up flying to Janz says they definitely got their ticket price worth and them some, "I believe one of our winners last year went to Ireland and the other to Hawaii. By the way – we have 2 sets of 2 flights again this year – so another set will be available to win during the event as well. We have over $12,000 in prizes!"

Funds raised go to the BRHC and this year Janz says they will be "raising funds to cover the cost of a “Jaundice Meter” for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) which costs over $7500. With this meter – all babies that need to be tested for jaundice will not have to endure those dreaded needle pokes. So that is our goal this year, but will be happy to raise more!"

To help raise extra funds the BRHC and Vintage Vegas committee have put the call out to local businesses to pitch in according to Janz, "We would be happy to accept any and all support in the way of prizes, ticket purchases and advertising. Again call the office and we will have a volunteer pick up any prizes, and put tickets aside for all those who can’t get in to get them."

Janz says they'd like to send out special thanks to their sponsors for their support, "WE have had great support with sponsors – Glen Kirkland, Homelife Realty, Brandon Sun, CKLQ/StarFM, Expressions Entertainment, Jenkins, WCG and Herbal Magic as major sponsors of this event."

Folks can get tickets at the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation Office located in the hospital, by calling the office 204-578-4227 or email info@brhcfoundation.ca