The 2015 Starlight Gala Fundraiser for the Richmond Hospital Foundation raised a record-setting $1.3 million.

Thanks to overwhelming support from the community of donors and sponsors, the 17th Starlight Gala raised more than $1.3 million in net proceeds—a breathtaking record—to provide compassionate, lifesaving health care right here in Richmond.

A sold out crowd were charmed and delighted with a spectacular evening that showcased the lifesaving work of Richmond Hospital’s health care professionals with inspiring personal stories of patients and families, philanthropic leaders and an outstanding performance by world-renowned jazz musician Chris Botti who captivated a spellbound audience.

Working with the RHF team to continuously improve and ramp up marketing efforts, we have helped increase each year’s proceeds from $230,000 in 2011 to this year’s record-setting level. Production efforts include the high-pressure, nerve-frazzling 3-day preparation of a 132 page auction book, followed by a couple of weeks of event signage, tickets, posters, invitations, and newspaper ads.

Special thanks to Carleen, Vinnie, Mandy, and Jasmine at RHF. We may all get a few more grey hairs from this annual exercise, but ultimately have to agree that it’s all worth it!