The Rise Charity Gala raises $24,982.57 for Vernon Hospital

2007 Masters tickets go for $17,000 in live auction

September 14, 2006, Vernon, BC - Under a full moon, high a top The Rise’s Watermark community overlooking Okanagan Lake, the first Moonlight Serenade Charity Gala was held to benefit the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation (VJHF). Serenaded by Heartstrings Quartet and the Ritz Melodia Salon Orchestra, over 150 guests, including Mayor Wayne Lippert and Councillors Buffy Baumbrough, Pat Cochrane and Juliette Cunningham attended the black tie event, raising $24,982.57 for the VJHF in the process.

The most sought after live auction item was an opportunity for 2 guests to attend the final round of the 2007 Masters Tournament in Augusta. These tickets have not been available to the public since 1972 and went for $17,000. Other items included a ski and snowboard adventure at Whistler/Blackcomb, a futures case of ice wine from The Rise Cellars autographed by winemaker Tilman Hainle, Member for a Year at the Fred Couples Signature Golf Course and original works by local artists.

“We would like to thank The Rise for choosing the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation as the recipient for this event,” says Jennifer Morrison, director of development for the VJHF, “It is excellent to see a corporate citizen that believes in the importance of becoming part of the community, giving back and becoming a permanent fixture.”

The evening included an elaborate four course meal paired with exquisite wines by Tilman Hainle. Tilman offered guests the opportunity to sample The Rise Cellars' first vintage featuring a strong Merlot and an exotic Ice Wine. Following the auction, guests danced well into the night under the glow of a full moon.

"The VJHF performs an invaluable service by raising funds for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Hosting a magical night of music, wine and food is the least we can do for such a great foundation,” says Leona Snider, president and CEO of The Rise, "The Rise will always be part of Vernon's community and due to the overwhelming positive feedback on this event, we are already planning for next year.”

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the VJH Foundation raises funds for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital and its associated residential care facilities. Money raised this year will go towards the purchase of the most urgently needed equipment in all areas of health care including Maternal Child Unit, Emergency, the Operating Rooms and The VJH Cancer Clinic.

(Tilman Hainle, winemaker at The Rise, captivates guests with his sabering of champagne bottles during the Moonlight Serenade Charity Gala.)