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Jeanne Beker to co-host Power of Giving Gala

On Saturday, September 16, 2023, the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation will host the Power of Giving Gala at a private property in Thunder Beach. This year’s event, presented by Faris Team Real Estate Brokerage, will have both in-person and virtual attendance options and be co-hosted by former GBGH board member and registered nurse, Sara Lankshear and Jeanne Beker.

Jeanne Beker is one of Canada’s most recognized celebrities, as a founding member of MuchMusic and the iconic host of Fashion Television. Her personal breast cancer journey, which began in 2022, has provided her with a rich, eye-opening experience and a new purpose and platform for sharing wisdom and inspiration. Jeanne also speaks about the passion and resiliency it takes to be a trailblazing, successful entrepreneur — and the balance necessary to survive and thrive.

“It is exciting to have Jeanne Beker join us for this year’s Power of Giving Gala,” says Nicole Kraftscik, CEO, GBGH Foundation. “She has a powerful personal story to share, and her experience highlights how important an MRI is for fast, accurate diagnosis. We are thankful for her bravery and candour in sharing her journey, and are honoured to have her inspire us on September 16.”

In addition to hearing from Jeanne Beker, guests attending in person will enjoy an outdoor experience including welcome cocktail, delicious hors d’oeuvres from Feast Catering, and live musical entertainment from award-winning performance group, BLuSoul and talented violinist Alireza Firoozi. Through ticket sales, live and online auction, fundraising and sales of Georgian Bay (Gbay) Bags, the event plans to raise $305,000 to help bring an MRI to GBGH.

“Investing in MRI technology will mean that people in our community – our neighbours, friends, and family members – can get the answers they need closer to home,” says Kraftscik. “Together, our community must raise $4-million to fund the purchase and installation of the MRI at GBGH, and focusing on this priority at the Gala is going to help bring awareness to this critical project.”

Tickets to attend the Power of Giving Gala in person are $150 each, while virtual tickets are free. The in-person event begins at 5pm, following by the live stream at 7pm.

For more information, to purchase tickets or to register, visit www.GIVE2GBGH.ca or contact the Foundation office (foundation@gbgh.on.ca or 705-526-4483).

Welcome Jesse Dees!

We are excited to announce that Jesse Dees is the successful candidate for the Sr. Key Relationships Officer role with the GBGH Foundation.  Jesse will start with the team on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

Jesse has extensive experience working in healthcare philanthropy, where she has garnered expertise in building meaningful donor relationships, developing and executing capital campaigns, and leading highly successful major and legacy giving programs. Jesse spent the last 8 years at the Collingwood Hospital Foundation where she most recently held the role as the Chief Development Officer and was responsible for the strategic execution and management of the Foundation’s overall fundraising strategies and operations. She also led the Major and Legacy Giving programs where she secured gifts in the $100,000 – $2M range.

Jesse is an active volunteer and leader in the healthcare philanthropy sector and was named as one of the Association for Health Care Philanthropy’s Top Forty Under Forty leaders in North America in 2018. She served on the Board of Directors for the Collingwood Women’s Shelter and as a conference committee member for the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy’s Convene Canada Conference for 7 years.

She has a passion for education and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from York University, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Fundraising and Resource Development from Georgian College, where she served on the Advisory Committee for the program after graduating. Jesse also has a certificate in Major Gifts Initiatives & Capital Campaigns from the University of Wisconsin’s Graduate School of Business and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy. Jesse earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in September 2017.

Jesse has expressed her excitement about joining the GBGH Foundation: “I am looking forward to joining a fantastic team and getting to know the amazing donors who help ensure exceptional healthcare in Georgian Bay. There are historic projects on the horizon for GBGH that will transform healthcare in the community and I am grateful to be part of the team that helps make these projects a reality”. 

Please join us in extending a very warm welcome to Jesse. Her experience, knowledge and relationship-focused approach will greatly assist the Foundation in our mission to empower GBGH to deliver exceptional health care.