RAIN at Humber River Hospital Foundation River Ball raise over $650,000 (net)

TORONTO, May 9, 2014 /CNW/ - A revolutionary performance by RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles at last night's Humber River Hospital Foundation River Ball helped raise over $650,000 net to support the building and equipping of the NEW Humber River Hospital.

Direct from their phenomenally successful Broadway engagement to deliver an exclusive performance at the River Ball, RAIN wowed the 850 guests, delivering an amazing look back to a time when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends. From the early hits to later classics (I Want To Hold Your Hand, Hard Day's Night, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Let It Be, Come Together, Hey Jude and more), this tribute band took guests on a magical journey spanning the entire career of the world's most famous musical group.

Guests also heard from Hospital President and CEO Rueben Devlin, who took them on a video tour of the hospital, now under construction. Dr. Devlin shared details on the patient-centered approach to care in the new Hospital – including 80% single patient rooms, space for family members to sleep over; and the digital technologies that will be used to help enhance optimal patient comfort and care. With moving day of October 18, 2015 fast approaching, guests were very interested to see how their support was making this great new hospital facility possible.

The new hospital will be a place where patients are empowered to participate in all aspects of their care. In partnership with their teams of care providers, patients and families will take advantage of the technologies available to enhance the personal interactions that are the basis of great people care.

"We are bringing to life a new approach to hospital care for our community," explains Dr. Devlin. "That's only being made possible thanks to the backing of great friends in our community like the guests at last evening's Ball. We need $225 million to finish the job: to pay for the equipment and building components government funding doesn't capture. I know our community will continue to step forward and support our vision for the future of their hospital."

Later on in the evening, Humber River's "No Limits" award - created to recognize special individuals in our community who stand as extraordinary examples of Humber's vision for the future - was awarded to Ucal Powell for distinguishing himself as one of Humber's most dedicated and passionate volunteers. 

"Ucal's service to Humber River Hospital is motivated by his conviction that our community needs and deserves a modern healthcare facility, close to home," states Heather Hurst, President and CEO, Humber River Hospital Foundation. "From rallying constituents in various unions, to committing support to the Hospital directly from the Carpenters Union, Ucal's contribution to our fundraising efforts has been invaluable. He's a very special individual, inspiring others by his career and his commitment to giving back to his community."

About Humber River Hospital:

Humber River Hospital serves a catchment area of more than 850,000 people in the northwest Greater Toronto Area. The hospital currently operates on three sites with a total of 549 beds, 3,000 staff, approximately 600 physicians and 400 volunteers. It is affiliated with the University of Toronto and Queen's University Medical Schools.

Humber River Hospital is currently building North America's first fully digital hospital, one that the organization plans to make a lean, green and technological showcase. Learn more about our plans for the future at www.hrh.ca/redevelopment

SOURCE: Humber River Hospital Foundation

Lori D'Amore, Communications and Marketing Officer, Humber River Hospital Foundation, [phone] ext. 3985, [email protected]