Story Posted: 2020-11-23
“Mistletoe 2020” Raises $162,575 For St. Paul’s Hospital Laboratory
On Saturday November 21, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation celebrated a reimagined version of its 31st Annual Mistletoe Ball, presented by Nutrien. Instead of gathering at the Sheraton in ball gowns and tuxedos, the community was instead invited to purchase Mistletoe-themed baskets that were delivered to the safety and comfort of their home. The ‘non-event’ raised an astounding $162,575 for St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.
“This is one of the most creative and successful Mistletoe events to-date. We are grateful to presenting sponsor Nutrien, all of our generous sponsors, supporters and our incredible Mistletoe Ball Committee,” said Neil Weber, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Volunteer Board Chair. “This year’s funds will support the laboratory, helping to purchase a state-of-the-art Nano Sequencer, which will work to ensure kidney transplant recipients go on to lead longer, fuller, healthier lives..”
“Our volunteer committee was overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, especially in light of this year’s COVID-crisis,” Volunteer Mistletoe Ball Chair Pam Prosofsky said. “Businesses, organizations and individuals really stepped up to the plate to make this ‘non-event’ a resounding success.”
For 30 years, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation has held the longstanding tradition of hosting Saskatoon’s premier black tie event, the Mistletoe Charity Ball. In those 30 years, this signature event has brought together friends and colleagues in celebration of the Christmas season, and raised an incredible $3.7 Million towards the advancement of patient care at St. Paul’s Hospital.
Lecina Hicke, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation CEO, admits she was sad not to welcome the familiar faces of Mistletoe Ball to officially kick off the Christmas Season, but is grateful to the committee for their continued passion. “This year, the onset of COVID-19 dramatically impacted each and every one of us; collectively, we have made decisions and concessions to ensure the safety of our community. Although we were sad that these circumstances prevented us from being able to gather together for Mistletoe Ball as we have for the last 30 years, we are positively inspired by the consistent and generous support of our community.”
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation takes this opportunity to thank its dedicated volunteer Mistletoe Ball Committee members for their creativity, their passion and dedication to the event:
Ms. Pam Prosofsky (Chair), Mrs. Carol Yelland (Past Chair), Mrs. Barbara Berscheid, Mrs. Doreen Howlett, Mrs. Nicholle Povhe, Mrs. Jana Dutton, Ms. Carrie Jamieson, Ms. Michelle Neufeld (SPH Foundation Manager of Annual Giving), Mr. Jesse Greenwood (SPH Foundation Annual Giving Officer), and Mrs. Jennifer Bow (SPH Foundation Executive Assistant).