There was plenty of sparkle —but with a down-home feel.
Saturday’s Denim & Diamonds gala put a bit of a western spin on the annual Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation fundraiser, with a new venue at Langley’s Highpoint Equestrian Estate and performances by a trio of female country artists.
Langley sister act, Robyn and Ryleigh, performed their trademark vocal harmonies early in the evening, while Abbotsford recording artist Karen Lee Batten took over after dinner, bringing guests to their feet in record numbers.
“This was my fifth gala, and that is the most dancing I’d seen,” said the LMH Foundation’s Errin Young.
“The venue itself was fabulous, it worked out well,” she said of the large stable, which was decorated in white lights and dotted with dozens of elegantly appointed tables.
Adding to the glitz and glamour, was a $10,000 diamond necklace from Creative Goldsmiths.
The grand prize in the evening’s Diamond Dig fundraiser — a tangerine sunset, 14 karat yellow and white gold chain with a diamond and pearl enhancer pendant — was won by Daile Hawley.
Both the live and silent auctions went well, too, said Young.
By the end of the night the figure raised had reached $235,000. But on Monday, Young said she expected the total would well surpass that once all the numbers had been added up.
Among the event’s top donors was Phil Jackman of Valley Traffic, who pledged to meet all donations up to $100,000.
RBC, meanwhile, contributed $20,000.
The hospital foundation received a gift of $10,000 from Drive for the Cure Foundation, which holds an annual tournament at Redwoods to raise funds for the fight against cancer.
Another $10,000 contribution was made by Langley businessman Nick Nuraney.
The Rotary Club of Langley Central donated $5,500.
Money raised at the gala will be used to purchase equipment for the hospital.
“Overall, the evening we felt was such a success,” said Young.
“And the great thing is there were lots of new faces in the crowd.”
