Bridgerton Gala Raises $600K for New Kitchen at White Rock Hospital

A fundraiser inspired by the popular *Bridgerton* series has successfully raised over $600,000 for a new kitchen at Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock, British Columbia. The event, titled *Steeped in Elegance*, took place on September 10, 2023, at an estate in Ocean Park. More than 100 women philanthropists donned Regency-era outfits for a garden tea party, supporting the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation’s initiative to replace the hospital’s outdated kitchen facilities.

Joelle Paleologou, a dedicated volunteer with the foundation, conceived the event, which underscored the historical role of women in philanthropy. As noted by Stephanie Beck, Chief Executive Officer of the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, “Throughout history, women in philanthropy have been the quiet force behind great change.” She emphasized that the attendees united not for recognition, but rather to make a significant impact on their community.

Key contributions included a generous $200,000 anonymous donation and a matching gift of $125,000 from Neil and Karla Kerr. The funds will help transform the hospital’s food preparation capabilities, with construction on the new kitchen expected to commence this fall. The renovated facility is set to open in early 2027, fundamentally changing how meals are prepared and served at the hospital.

The plans for the new kitchen, spanning 5,171 square feet, were announced in December 2024, with the foundation committed to raising $5 million towards the total cost of $15 million. The existing kitchen, established in 2004, relies on reheating pre-cooked meals, which has led to concerns about food quality and patient satisfaction.

Once the kitchen is complete, the hospital will shift to preparing meals from scratch on-site. This change is crucial as approximately 45 percent of patients arrive malnourished. Improved nutrition is essential for recovery, and the renovation aims to modernize the kitchen facilities, elevate food services, and enhance the overall dining experience for patients, visitors, and staff.

In a promotional video, Chef Matthew Richmond, Food Operations Manager, highlighted the current kitchen’s lack of atmosphere, stating, “If you walk into our kitchen right now… there’s no heart, there’s no soul into the food.” He expressed a desire for a kitchen that promotes interaction, aromas, and the sounds of food being freshly prepared.

Susan Kelly, the hospital’s Regional Food Operations Manager, acknowledged that the current system does not adequately serve patients, with around 50 percent of meals going untouched. Chef Steven Courtney, Culinary Food Services Lead at Fraser Health, confirmed that the new kitchen will allow for the use of fresh, local ingredients, resulting in “healthy, flavourful… vibrant” meals rather than pre-packaged options.

The new dining model will introduce a ‘Choice Dining’ system, which features a restaurant-style menu and food-service ambassadors to assist patients with their meal selections. This innovative approach is expected to significantly enhance patient satisfaction and nutritional intake.

The *Steeped in Elegance* event also featured unique experiences for guests, including a perfumery bar for custom scent creation, fashion illustrators capturing attendees’ outfits, and calligraphers personalizing handheld fans. Floral arrangements were generously provided by local businesses such as Ashberry & Logan Floral Design and A Passion for Flowers Design Studio.

As of September 15, 2023, the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation reported that 81 percent of the $5 million fundraising goal for the kitchen renovation has been achieved. However, officials confirmed that the total raised from the *Steeped in Elegance* event is still being calculated. For those interested in contributing to the campaign or learning more about the project, further information is available at pahfoundation.ca/kitchen.