The community raised $1.1 million for state-of-the-art equipment for the new acute hospital | Catch My Job

St. Clair College welcomed the community to join our students and staff for our 28th Annual Gourmet Food and Wine Gala this past Friday night, September 23rd.

The evening raised $1.1 million for the Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation to purchase new state-of-the-art equipment for the new acute hospital. Funds were generated through gala sponsorships, ticket sales, donations and pledges to the foundation. The largest contribution of the night was $500,000 provided by the St. Clair College Alumni Association.

The tradition of great food, great wine and great entertainment continued. This wonderful dining experience showcases the talents and abilities of our students. From the moment guests entered the Skyline Room at our St. Clair College Center for the Arts alumni, they were greeted and cared for by our students throughout this memorable night.

The evening’s menu consisted of premier local wines and a gourmet five-course meal prepared by the college’s amazing chefs and our culinary students. Five entertaining performances throughout the night, between courses, were provided by our students from the Music Theater Performance Programs, a fashion walk by our Fashion Design students and The S’Aints featuring Jodi Rafful, Kelly Howell, Kelly “Mr. Chill”. Hope and Jeff Burrows. Other students who were part of the preparation and execution of the evening came from our St. Clair College Center for the Arts students and staff as well as our Hospitality, Hotel and Management programs.

This year, College President France was co-hosted by Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Crowther, Windsor Police Service Chief Jason Bellaire and Windsor Fire and Rescue Service Chief Stephen Laforet. The evening’s celebration was focused on showing our community’s gratitude for their organization’s service to our community over the past few years during the pandemic. In the evening each organization had its own food courses and tributes.

President France shared with guests in attendance Friday night:

“Tonight’s tribute, however, doesn’t just involve the links between the College and these services. No, above and beyond that, we want — not as academics, but as citizens — to recognize all first responders for their selfless service, their bravery, and their Caring attitude, as they perform the most challenging duties imaginable on a day-in/day-out basis. You probably won’t hear us express our gratitude as often as we should, but please know that the community you serve and protect is beyond measure for your dedication. Thank you. You are, indeed, a hero among us.

A second purpose of this evening’s event is to raise funds for equipment for the new acute care hospital. This project is the beneficiary of the proceeds of this festival. It also has a college connection.

A new-and-improved local health-care system facility means bigger and better opportunities for our graduates. Our ex from Nursing and Practical Nursing, Cardiovascular Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Personal Support Worker, Paramedicine, Medical Laboratory Technology and Science, Dental Assisting and Hygiene, Office Administration for Health Services, Developmental Service Worker, Occupational and Physiotherapy Assistant, Diagnostic Medical Assistant the student Cardiac sonography, biomedical engineering technology, gerontology, pharmacy technicians, and medical esthetics already make up a large percentage of the local workforce in the health-care sector … and we expect those employment opportunities to increase as new hospitals open and continue over the next decade.

“There was a level of excitement at this event for the new Windsor-Essex acute care hospital that surpassed anything to date,” said Windsor Regional Hospital President and CEO David Musiz. “This level of energy, and indeed the $1.1-million raised, truly signals the community’s commitment to this project.”

Six months of planning, preparation, and presentation for this festive evening demonstrated loudly to all that our St. Clair College students, faculty, staff, and community partners truly “Rise Above the Ordinary!”