| CNF’s first-ever Nightingale Gala a dazzling success! | | | | On May 10th, in Ottawa’s beautiful new Convention Centre, nearly 700 elegantly-gowned guests dined, danced and laughed late into the evening, at CNF’s 1st Annual Nightingale Gala. The Gala celebrated nurses and their contribution to advancing nursing knowledge and improving the health of all Canadians. Florence Nightingale, immediately recognizable in her nursing dress and with her world-famous lamp, greeted the guests, while the classical harp group Auld Lyres set the tone of celebration with music ranging from Albinoni to traditional folk tunes. The Capital Chordettes, an Ottawa-based women’s barbershop quartet, provided harmonious atmosphere in the dining room. Master of Ceremonies Catherine Clark introduced Dr. Wilbert Keon and Senator Carolyn Stewart-Olson, for their brief opening remarks. The guests were also delighted by Dr. Judith Shamian and Deborah Brown, representing the event’s lead sponsors, CNA and Rx&D, and David Hill, past chair of CNF’s board of directors. During a delicious dinner, guests were entertained by a video, and heard testimonials from Evan Jolicoeur, president of the Canadian Nursing Students Association; Dr. Mary Ann Murray, researcher and award recipient; and Don Martin, whose family has direct experience with supportive nursing care. Dr. Helen Mussallem, Canada’s most decorated nursing leader, received a standing ovation for her contribution to nursing. Hélène Sabourin, CNF’s Executive Director, made the final remarks, and the evening concluded with dancing to a grand mix of music provided by SWAY! We are delighted to report that the event raised more than $221,000. It brings us ever closer to our Nursing 4.0 goal of four million dollars to support the next generation of nursing scholars and researchers. A special note of thanks must go to our Board of Directors, and in particular to Dr. Wilbert Keon, Sue Menzies, Barb Mildon, and Brahm Gelf of the Fundraising Subcommittee. Thank you as well to the Organizing Committee, Shirley Gay, Marlene Murray, Debbie Ross, Maureen Taylor-Greenly, Domenic Tucci, and June Webber. Without your drive and dedication, we could not have made our Nightingale Gala the success that it was. Special thanks to our lead sponsors CNA and Rx&D, who have the vision to understand and promote support for nursing education and research. We also must thank Roasters Foundation; Dynamic Funds; TD Insurance Meloche Monnex; Dundee Corporation; Acart Communications; Alcon Canada Inc; Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions; Canadian Institute of Health Research; Canadian Patient Safety Institute; Emond Harnden LLP; Extendicare (Canada) Inc; Jarislowsky Fraser Limited; Johnson & Johnson Medical Products; Minasu Information Systems; Soloway Wright LLP; TD Bank Financial Group; United Association; School of Nursing, Faculty of Sciences University of Ottawa; Wealth Creation Preservation and Donation Inc. As for our army of volunteers, we cannot thank you enough. You shared your time and expertise generously, thought on your feet, gave us some great ideas, and did it all with a smile. Well done everyone, and thank you! See you in Vancouver in 2012!For a full report on the event, with more pictures and the video link, please go to our web page www.cnf-fiic.ca | | |
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