Great Gala Ball in Laois to fundraise for Portlaosie hospital

The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital are proud to announce their upcoming Gala Ball, a night which they say is set to dazzle and make a significant impact on the team’s fundraising efforts.

The committee have been busy working in the background planning what promises to be a fantastic night on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise.

The night aims to raise funds to enhance patient comfort at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise (MRHP). Áine Reams is  Treasurer with the Friends. 

“We want to extend our sincere gratitude to Martin Reddin Ltd., our main sponsor of the Gala Ball. He has been a huge support to us in planning and organising the ball, and his very generous donation has helped get the ball from an idea at a committee meeting to selling tickets for the Gala Ball,” she said. 

Ms Reams believes that the Gala Ball promises to be an excellent night while supporting our local hospital and
most importantly the patients and their families.

“We are delighted to be holding a Gala Ball, after a few quiet years for the Friends in terms of fundraising, the Gala Ball will make a big difference to the charity and the donations we can subsequently make to MRHP. It’s great to be involved in the planning of a lovely night," she said.

The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital was set up after the nurses called a meeting in April 1991. They saw a need within our hospital for items that would enhance patient comfort. A public meeting was held, with many locals turning up on the night and “The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital” was born.

Over the years, they have made substantial donations to the hospital and that was down to the support and generosity of people within our community.

Earlier this year, the Friends sadly lost their Chairperson Dick Sides. Ms Reams said Dick was on the committee from the start and was a great motivator. She said he loved to see new fundraising ideas or ways in which the Friends could improve patient comfort.

“It’s nice that we can carry on his dedication to the Friends and hopefully fulfil our mission,” said the Treasurer. More below picture.

Martin Reddin, Managing Director of Martin Reddin Ltd, the main sponsor of the Gala Ball with Tom Timmons, Chairperson Friends of Portlaoise Hospital, at the launch in the Laois hospital on December 20.

The charity has run various fundraising events over the years such as their Annual Christmas Draw, Christmas Jumper Days and Table Quizzes and has been very lucky to be the beneficiary of events such as Golf Classics, Marathons, Fun Runs, Lemonade Stands, and Massage and Holistic Treatment Days.

The Friends have also received donations from people who want to donate in loving memory of someone or sometimes people who had a spare €1 or €2 and wanted to contribute to the charity.

“We are so grateful for all of the support we have received over the years, every donation received regardless of the sum has made an impact on patients in the hospital and for that, we as a committee are very grateful,” said Ms Reams.

The charity mission has remained the same all through the years and that is to enhance patient comfort at the Laois hospital. The last 30-odd years have seen the Friends making donations of dinamap patient monitors, flatscreen TVs, PPE, foetal doppler devices, buxton chairs, donations to the End-of-Life Care Committee, contributions to the Sensory Room in Paediatrics, furnishing the Prayer Room, activity materials for patients with dementia, ultrasound scanning machine for the Maternity Unit, general furniture including armchairs and footstools to name a just few of the donations that have been made.

The Gala Ball night begins with a drinks reception at 6 pm in the lobby with welcoming music on arrival.

Tickets are priced at €85 which includes a prosecco reception, a 4-course meal with wine, and the one and only Transmitter to ensure you dance the night away. If you want to buy a ticket or table of 12, please get in touch with Áine: 0879116631, Emma: 0878568536 or John: 0877926704.

Ticket collection can be arranged at the Willow Lodge, Portlaoise R32 XW2W.