WHITE ROCK, B.C. – Centennial Arena was transformed into a glowing ballroom on Saturday, May 2, for ILLUME, this year’s rendition of the Peace Arch Hospital Gala. The luminous event raised crucial funds toward the Foundation’s Every Second Counts campaign, supporting an integrated, state-of-the-art Intensive Care and Telemetry Unit for Peace Arch Hospital.

“Each year, our Gala brings together a room of community champions,” says Stephanie Beck, CEO of Peace Arch Hospital + Community Health Foundation. “From the volunteers to our sponsors, guests, and our Foundation team, each person plays a critical role in raising funds for our hospital. We’re incredibly grateful to each person helping to improve critical and cardiac care at Peace Arch Hospital.” 

Xudong Liu and Donna Dong kicked off the evening’s fundraising with an incredible $200,000 matching gift, and Chris and Anita Helser for their generous $100,000 gift. Other transformational gifts were generously made by Todd and Debra Antifaev, Yongjun Ba and Dicun Zhao, Vern and Helga Höing, William Sapphire and Dr. Michelle Liu, and a philanthropic group of anonymous donors.

Longtime PAH supporters and ICU Committee Co-Chairs, Mark Woodall & Judy McKague, announced a $1 million gift to the Every Second Counts campaign, a powerful reflection of the community leadership celebrated at the ILLUME Gala. The Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society & White Rock Fire Fighters Charity Association have teamed up again for philanthropy, announcing their $500,000 commitment to critical and cardiac care for Peace Arch Hospital. This deeply impactful gift is made possible through their annual charitable golf tournament. 

This sold-out, black-tie fundraiser, presented by Neil & Lisa Yarmoshuk, was attended by 450 guests and 65 volunteers who helped execute the philanthropic evening. Guests sipped radiant cocktails, lounged in a sparkling Cadillac Celestiq, and danced in a silent disco. Layne the Auctionista was back for a third year as MC and auctioneer.

Lead sponsors included Neil and Lisa Yarmoshuk as Presenting Sponsor, Preston Cadillac, Lark Group, and The Lodge Steakhouse as Lifeline Sponsors, and Aspira Peninsula and Pacifica Living, EllisDon, Pedersen’s Event Rental, and RPLE Law as Critical Care Sponsors. A special thank you to Peace Arch News for their long-standing media sponsorship, our Graphic Design Sponsor, KA Creative, and to all the other generous local businesses who supported ILLUME.

View our ILLUME Gala photo gallery HERE