This is my first opportunity to stand up and applaud the naming of Penticton Regional Hospital’s new patient care tower in honour of David Kampe.
This was a prime topic of conversation around the South Okanagan Similkameen (SOS) Medical Foundation’s booth at the recent Healthy Living Fair in Penticton. Practically everyone who stopped by noted how Mr. Kampe has quietly supported not only the hospital, but the community in general for years. Free admission for kids at Penticton Vees games, the Peach Festival Grand Parade and much more immediately come to mind.
Related: Hospital tower to be named for local philanthropist
However, the naming of the David E. Kampe Tower doesn’t mean the SOS Medical Foundation is now close to reaching our $20-million commitment to provide the medical equipment for the PRH expansion. We still must raise almost $7 million.
David Kampe says he hopes his donations will encourage others in the community to step forward as well. Major donors of at least $30,000 can have their names directly linked to one of the 84 new single-bed patient rooms to be located on the top three floors of the tower. Many other naming opportunities are also available. Of course, not everyone can afford such a large donation – we welcome contributions of any amount.
The David E. Kampe Tower will open for patients in early 2019, so we only have two more years to get the funding in place. Please contact our office for more information – phone 250-492-9027 or visit our website at sosmedicalfoundation.com.
Oliver rotary fundraisers
Reflecting the true regional scope of Penticton Regional Hospital, our campaign has gained support from individuals, businesses and non-profit groups throughout the South Okanagan-Similkameen.
Among the organizations stepping forward is the Rotary Club of Oliver which has pledged $30,000 over three years. Rotary has two major fundraisers coming up next month – starting with their 19th annual Gala Dinner and Live Auction on April 22 at the Oliver Community Centre. Six local restaurants/caterers will serve an array of food, including fine wines from six local wineries.
Then, on April 30 Oliver Rotary presents hilarious basketball action with the Harlem Ambassadors taking on the South Okanagan All-Stars. Game time is 2 p.m. at the SOSS gymnasium.
Tickets are available from Rotary members and at Oliver outlets, including Beyond Bliss Esthetics, Royal Lepage South Country Realty and Interior Savings Insurance.
Take An Old Bag to Tea
Speaking of fundraisers, the Penticton Hospital Auxiliary has a pair of big events coming up. Their annual Take An Old Bag To Tea fashion show, tea, and silent auction will be held June 11 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. Entertainment includes a performance by the Get Bent Bollywood Revue.
The PRH Auxiliary is also raffling a stunning diamond bracelet, recently assessed at $8,550. The draw will be made at the Take An Old Bag To Tea event. You can view a photo of the bracelet on the SOS Medical Foundation website’s events calendar.
Tickets are available from Auxiliary members, the PRH gift shop and at the SOS Medical Foundation office. You can also order by phone 250-492-4000 (Ext 2380).
Survivorship donation
Finally, a heartfelt salute to members of the Survivorship dragon boat team. Survivorship has donated another $6,000 to the SOS Medical Foundation raised in part from the Boob Tour Comedy Festival held at the Lakeside Resort in October.
Survivorship has pledged $30,000 to the Foundation’s PRH campaign. Every one of their members is a breast cancer survivor, each with their own very personal and emotional story to tell. Somehow, a simple “thank you” doesn’t quite seem enough.
John Moorhouse is the development and communications officer for the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation. For information on donating, please call 250-492-9027 or visit our website sosmedicalfoundation.com.