MICHAEL GARRON HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

OBJECTIVES & IMPACT:

The “Laughter is the Best Medicine – At Home” gala served as a vital source of funding for the Michael Garron Hospital since 2012. With the ongoing pandemic, the event’s success became even more crucial in supporting community-based healthcare and enabling the hospital to meet the evolving health challenges faced by Toronto’s east end residents. The gala aimed to raise awareness and funds to invest in the hospital’s most urgent needs.

VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES & ENTERTAINMENT:

To create an engaging and enjoyable virtual experience, C&S designed an evening filled with memorable moments. The event kicked off with the delivery of gourmet dinners to over 1,600 guests’ homes. Attendees then had the opportunity to participate in virtual experiential activities, enhancing their connection to the event and the cause. The highlight of the evening was a lineup of renowned entertainers, including Will Arnett, Steve Martin, Mike Birbiglia, and Grammy-winning Canadian singer Alessia Cara. Their performances added humor, excitement, and musical delight to the event.

FUNDRAISING SUCCESS & TRANSFORMATIONAL GIFTS:

The “Laughter is the Best Medicine – At Home” gala achieved tremendous success, raising an impressive $8.3 million in funds. The event featured three transformational gifts that were announced during the evening, enabling the Michael Garron Hospital to provide high-quality healthcare close to home for the entire Toronto east end community. The funds raised would support essential healthcare initiatives and meet the evolving needs of the community.

EXPERIENTIAL DESIGN & PROGRAM MANAGEMENT:

As the experiential designer and producer for the event, C&S took the lead in program management and event coordination. The team successfully managed speaker logistics, integrated fundraising platforms, engaged sponsors through virtual activations, and provided experiential enhancements to elevate the virtual gala experience. Talent management, including the coordination of renowned entertainers, was expertly handled by C&S. Additionally, the team played a pivotal role in show calling, ensuring a seamless flow and engaging atmosphere throughout the event.

FEEDBACK & SUCCESS:

The virtual “Laughter is the Best Medicine – At Home” gala received overwhelming positive feedback and sold out attendance. The innovative approach to the event and the outstanding program management by C&S contributed to its success. The funds raised would make a significant impact on the Michael Garron Hospital’s ability to deliver life-saving care and support the healthcare needs of the community. Mitze Mourinho, President of MGHF, expressed immense satisfaction with the event’s outcome and the phenomenal feedback received.

LESSONS LEARNED & FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Through their involvement in the “Laughter is the Best Medicine – At Home” gala, C&S gained valuable insights and recommendations for future virtual events. This includes further enhancing virtual experiential elements, leveraging technology for interactive and immersive experiences, and refining fundraising strategies to maximize donor engagement and contributions. C&S remains committed to delivering exceptional virtual event experiences, adapting to the evolving landscape and meeting client objectives.

C&S’s role as the program manager and virtual event producer for the “Laughter is the Best Medicine – At Home” gala showcased their expertise in virtual event production, program management, and talent coordination. Their dedication and meticulous planning resulted in a highly successful and impactful evening, supporting the vital healthcare services provided by the Michael Garron Hospital.