The Fortune Ball raises millions for Markham Stouffville Hospital
Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation hosted its fourth annual The Fortune Ball on November 22, presented by TD to benefit Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH). Held at the Hilton Toronto Markham Suites, the evening brought Chinese-Canadian culture to life through exquisite cuisine, dazzling entertainment, and a spirit of unity that filled the ballroom.
The event was once again led by the founding members of the MSH Foundation’s Fortune Leadership Council (FLC) — Alan Kwong, David Ho, Gordon Chan, Stephen Li, and Kenny Wan — who returned as Co-Chairs. The FLC, made up of Chinese business leaders committed to supporting the hospital, has inspired a widening circle of philanthropic supporters. Together, their efforts through the FLC and The Fortune Ball have raised $5.2 million to date.
“As we celebrate tonight, we are reminded of the Chinese proverb, ‘If you always give, you always have,’” says Co-Chair David Ho. “It reflects the spirit of giving, as we will all need the hospital at some point in our lives, and what we’ve accomplished allows MSH to update its equipment, expand its campus, and enhance its services. In a year when many are feeling the weight of economic uncertainty, The Fortune Ball’s support of our local hospital truly strengthens the care our community depends on. We are not stopping here, though.”
MSH Foundation Chief Executive Officer Suzette Strong expressed her gratitude for the remarkable support behind FLC and The Fortune Ball. “Health care is evolving within an increasingly complex landscape, and MSH’s community continues to grow. Our hospital remains committed to providing high-quality, integrated, patient-centred care to all the communities we serve,” Strong says. “This would not be possible without the dedication and generosity of our FLC leaders and generous donors. It is because of our supporters that Markham Stouffville Hospital is the cornerstone of our healthy community, for the past 35 years and for many more to come.”
Access to state-of-the-art equipment is vital for MSH to continue delivering the exceptional patient-centred care that families rely on every day. This year’s appeal invited guests to help fund equipment to outfit patient exam rooms in the Emergency Department, helping MSH respond to urgent and evolving needs in emergency medicine as our community continues to grow and age. “Emergency medicine is more important than ever. It is not just our job, it is our calling,” says Dr. Elizabeth Poon, emergency physician at Oak Valley Health. “We need to bolster the Emergency Department because it’s the place people come to when they have nowhere else to go.”
Donations are still being accepted and are urgently needed. To relive the unforgettable moments from The Fortune Ball and to donate, visit www.mshfortuneball.ca.
Photo (L-R): Oak Valley Health CEO Mark Fam, Fortune Ball Co-Chairs — Kenny Wan, Gordon Chan, Stephen Li, David Ho, Alan Kwong, and MSHF CEO Suzette Strong. (MSHF supplied photo)