Trenton Hospital Fundraiser 2025 Raises Major Funds at Community Gala
The ballroom at the Bay of Quinte Country Club sparkled with purpose last Saturday night as over 400 local residents gathered for the annual Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation Gala. The evening’s theme, “Building Tomorrow’s Care Today,” resonated through conversations as donors opened their wallets to support critical improvements to the hospital’s emergency department.
By night’s end, the foundation had raised an impressive $437,000, significantly surpassing their $350,000 target. The funds will directly support the hospital’s ongoing emergency department renovation project, which aims to expand capacity and reduce wait times at a facility serving over 40,000 patients annually.
“What we witnessed tonight wasn’t just generosity—it was community resilience in action,” said Wendy Warner, Executive Director of the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation. “These donations mean we can purchase vital equipment and create a more comfortable environment for patients during what are often their most vulnerable moments.”
The evening featured a silent auction with items donated by local businesses, a gourmet dinner showcasing regional produce, and heartfelt testimonials from patients whose lives were saved by the hospital’s emergency team.
Mayor Jim Harrison, who attended with several council members, praised the community’s ongoing commitment. “Trenton residents have always stepped up when it comes to healthcare. This hospital isn’t just a building—it’s the backbone of our community’s wellbeing.”
The fundraiser comes at a critical time. According to Quinte Health data released last month, emergency department visits at Trenton Memorial increased by 17% in the past year, straining resources and extending wait times. Dr. Nadia Pageau, Chief of Emergency Services, described the challenges facing her team daily.
“We’re treating more patients with fewer square feet per person than provincial standards recommend,” Dr. Pageau explained during her presentation. “These renovations will allow us to create two additional trauma bays and a dedicated mental health assessment area—changes that will quite literally save lives.”
The highlight of the evening was a surprise announcement from the Wilson Family Foundation, which pledged a matching donation of $100,000, effectively doubling the impact of contributions made during the event’s “paddle raise” segment.
“My father received extraordinary care here last winter,” said Thomas Wilson, the foundation’s director. “When the ambulance brought him in with a stroke, every minute mattered. The team here gave our family more years together, and that’s something you can’t put a price on.”
Local business owner Margaret Chen, who donated a weekend at her cottage for the auction, reflected on the community spirit she witnessed. “I’ve lived in bigger cities where hospitals feel institutional and distant. Here, everyone knows someone who works at Trenton Memorial or who’s been helped there. It’s personal.”
The renovation project, expected to begin in early spring, represents the first major update to the emergency department in nearly 15 years. Hospital administrators note that patient volumes have increased by almost 30% during that period, creating challenges for both staff and patients.
Staff nurse Jamal Ahmed, who’s worked in the emergency department for eight years, shared his perspective with attendees. “We make do with what we have because that’s what healthcare workers do. But having the right spaces and equipment makes a tremendous difference in how quickly and effectively we can treat patients.”
The fundraising campaign will continue through the winter, with several smaller community events planned. Foundation board member Elizabeth Koekkoek emphasized that donations of all sizes matter.
“While tonight’s gala showcases larger contributions, we’re equally grateful for the children donating birthday money or seniors contributing monthly from their pensions,” said Koekkoek. “This hospital serves everyone, and everyone can be part of ensuring its future.”
For longtime Trenton resident Dorothy MacPherson, 82, supporting the hospital has become a family tradition. “My late husband was treated here, my children were born here, and just last month, they fixed my grandson’s broken arm. This place holds our community’s stories. Supporting it isn’t charity—it’s investing in our shared future.”
As the evening concluded, Warner announced that next year’s gala will focus on improving maternal and pediatric services, reflecting the region’s growing population of young families.
“Healthcare needs evolve, but one thing remains constant,” she told the crowd. “The people of Quinte West and surrounding communities understand that local healthcare infrastructure matters. Tonight proves once again that when called upon, this community answers.”
