October 27 2008/- Kingston’s most prestigious fundraising gala will be raising money for equipment at the new Pediatric Intensive Care unit at Kingston General Hospital. The 25th annual Black Tie Gala, set for November 1st at Ban Righ Hall at Queen’s University, will feature a Venetian Masquerade Ball, complete with décor, costumes, games and a chance to win a free trip to Venice.

“This year’s Black Tie will be very special. Not only is it the 25th Anniversary of the event, it will also support something that our children need – a new Pediatric Intensive Care unit at KGH. It will be an evening of fun, excitement and giving,” said Penny Hogeboom and Sue Hytonen, co-chairs of the event.

More than 300 tickets have already been sold for the event. Tickets cost $200 each or $400 a couple and are still available by calling the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation. Nearly 30 businesses and organizations have sponsored this year’s event, including Presenting Sponsors Morven Construction Ltd. and Van Herpt Motors Ltd.

“Black Tie has been an important part of the fabric of this community for 25 years, raising over a million dollars to support patient care at Kingston General Hospital. This special anniversary of Black Tie comes at a historical crossroads in the life of our hospitals – the redevelopment of KGH, Hotel Dieu Hospital and Providence Care and the launch of the Together We Can campaign. We’re very grateful for the work of the organizing committee and the support of all the people who attend Black Tie,” said Ian Wilson, Chair of Together We Can.

The highlight of the evening includes special lotteries and auction items. Guests will be able to buy a “boarding pass” for a chance to win a one week trip to Venice, Italy, sponsored by Merit Travel and Delcan Corporation. Raffle ticket purchasers will also have a chance to take home an 18K white gold pendant from Fiancée Jewelers or a 42 inch plasma TV from Leon’s. Guests can bid on a barbeque with recording artists Gord Sinclair from the Tragically Hip and Sarah Harmer and or the use of a private golf course of M&M Meats Founder Mac Voisin on Simcoe Island. Other auction items include a framed and signed jersey of Toronto Maple Leafs 1967 captain George

Kingston’s Pediatric Program is one of only five pediatric academic health science centres in Ontario. The Program is responsible for treating some of the most seriously ill and critically injured children and youth from our community and region. The redevelopment projects underway at KGH includes the construction of a brand new children’s inpatient unit, which will have a dedicated pediatric intensive care unit, allowing our most critically ill patients to be cared for in a child-friendly, and family supportive atmosphere.

Previous Black Tie evenings have supported new operating rooms, the purchase of hospital equipment such as neonatal cardiac monitors, ultrasound equipment for diagnostic imaging and more than 25 chemotherapy chairs for the new cancer centre.

Black Tie Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors
Morven Construction Ltd.
Van Herpt Motors Ltd.

Platinum Sponsors
Medigas
Queen’s University School of Medicine

Gold Sponsors
BMO - Nesbitt Burns
HDR | Mill & Ross Architects
Empire Life
Ontario Lottery & Gaming
Wilkinson & Company LLP Chartered Accountants and Tax Specialists

Silver Sponsors
Templeman Menninga LLP

Contributors
Collins Blay & Company
Gordon R. Stewart Consulting Services Limited
Lonestar Texas Grill
Larochelle Drywall
McCain Foods (Canada)

Benefactor Tables
Cunningham, Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham LLP
Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine – Queen’s University
Department of Pediatrics – Queen’s University
Department of Psychiatry – Queen’s University
Ellis Don Corporation
Empire Life
GE Healthcare
HDR | Mill & Ross Architects
Hicks Morley
Hotel Dieu Hospital
KPMG
Mackillop Law Professional Corporation
Medigas
Melo Hotels
RBC Private Counsel