Last year's theme — Cirque du Soleil — may have been a tough act to follow, but the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation is prepared to up the ante for its 2013 charity fundraising gala, with a '60s Rat Pack Vegas night.
"A Wonderful Evening Is In the Cards," and it's being held, appropriately, at Cascades Casino and Convention Centre. The annual gala for Langley Memorial Hospital takes place on Saturday, May 11, and tickets are still available.
"This event is all about returning to the era when supper clubs were all the rage and the Rat Pack were the kings of entertainment," said fundraising committee chair Margit de Jong.
"I assure you that anybody who thinks they've been to an old-school Vegas theme event before, has never been to one like this.
"Guests will experience a complete transformation — from unique entertainment and unimaginable decor to a phenomenal menu, exclusively designed by the Cascades' chef specifically for this event. This event will blow everyone away."
But it's not all about the fun and games — there is a serious purpose behind this party.
The gala marks the beginning of a final push in the hospital's ongoing $5.35 million “It All Starts Here” maternity expansion campaign. To date, almost $3 million has been raised.
As part of the project, the hospital is expanding its nursery and building a permanent home for its maternity clinic, as well as adding seven “single room maternity care” units.
"With approximately 1,800 births per year, Langley already has one of the busiest maternity units in the region and we simply do not have the space to keep pace with the growth of our community," said de Jong.
"This is a much needed project to ensure that expectant mothers who live in Langley can continue to deliver their babies in Langley."
Gala tickets are $200 each or $1,400 for a group of eight. There is also a $2,500 Vegas Night Out package which includes eight tickets, a bottle of champagne and limousine service.
Call 604-533-6422 or email langleyhospitalfoundation@fraserhelath.ca to reserve.