CORNWALL, Ontario – The Cornwall Community Hospital Foundaition (CCHF) held their first ever "One Enchanted Evening" gala event at the Nav Centre on Saturday, Oct. 21.
The theme for this first year was the Great Gatsby and guests were invited to come out in their best 1920s fashion.
The people of Cornwall were happy to get in the swing of things as guests showed up in everything from long pearls to fedoras to flapper dresses.
“I am really surprised how many people dressed up for the event,” said CCHF Executive Director Amy Gillespie. “We gave people the option to dress up if they wanted to and guests have shown so much enthusiasm.”
This first time event was sold out at least a week before hand, with 350 tickets sold and a waiting list of people hopeful to get in.
Tickets were $90 each and $85 each if they were bought in a group of four. In addition to ticket sales, the event also raised money through a silent auction and a raffle.
The raffle included a ring donated by Pommier Jewellers valued at $6, 700 and a state-of-the-art Traeger Grill.
The room at the Nav Centre was decorated in a 1920s style, with a live band playing all the hits from the era of the roaring 20s and Nav Centre chef Luc McCabe prepared a delicious retro meal.
To complete the mood, in the gala hall there was a classic car. Todd Rozon CCHF Treasurer donated a 1934 850Y Phaeton which sat right near the entrance of the gala. While the car was a little newer than the 1920s, it did add to the retro feel. The car had been given to Rozon’s father in pieces and he had it re-assembled.
Gillespie said that part of the reason the Great Gatsby was chosen as a theme, was because it was a fun way to get people to come out in costume.
“It was a group decision between our board members,” she said. “People are so excited to get dressed up and share in the spirit of almost Halloween.”
