Niagara Health Foundation’s Havana Nights Gala Raises Over $722,000 for South Niagara Hospital

The Niagara Health Foundation’s Havana Nights Hospital Gala, held February 28 at Fallsview Casino Resort, brought together 832 guests from across Niagara for one of the region’s most anticipated charitable events of the year — raising nearly $722,301 in support of the South Niagara Hospital and the “It’s Our Future” campaign, with additional donations still coming in.

With this year’s success, the Niagara Health Foundation’s annual Gala has now raised $2,563,294 over the past four years in support of the new South Niagara Hospital.

The Grand Hall at Fallsview Casino Resort was transformed into a vibrant Havana-inspired celebration, featuring lush tropical décor, live entertainment and immersive experiences that created an unforgettable evening for guests.

Funds raised from the Gala will support the purchase of vital medical equipment for the new South Niagara Hospital, a transformational healthcare project that will serve communities across Niagara for generations to come.

“We are incredibly grateful to the more than 830 guests, our sponsors, volunteers and supporters who helped make Havana Nights such a success,” said Andrea Scott, President and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation. “With a record 45 sponsors supporting this year’s event, the energy in the room was truly electric. The Gala has become one of Niagara’s most anticipated events each year, and it’s inspiring to see our community come together in such a powerful way to support the future of healthcare in our region.”

One of the most powerful moments of the evening came during the event’s Fund-A-Need, hosted by Breakfast Television’s Tim Bolen, who also served as emcee, alongside Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, Co-Chair of the “It’s Our Future” campaign. In just 20 minutes, guests pledged an incredible $288,600 to support medical equipment for the new hospital.

“Wow—when our community comes together, do we ever show we can get behind a cause!” said Mayor Jim Diodati. “Raising $288,600 in one room, one night is mind-blowing, and our residents keep coming back to give. We’re more excited than ever for the momentum toward the new hospital.”

Guests also participated in the evening’s silent auction, which raised nearly $27,000.

The Havana Nights theme came to life through immersive entertainment including a live Cuban band from Toronto, energetic Latin dancers, and a vibrant tropical birds photo station. A stunning 1957 pink Cadillac convertible, generously provided by Dina Elefante with special thanks to S & W Towing Services, served as a memorable centerpiece inside the event space.

The new South Niagara Hospital will represent a significant transformation in healthcare for the region.

“The NH Foundation Gala was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when our community unites behind a shared vision. The extraordinary generosity shown that evening will help bring the new South Niagara Hospital to life - a hospital thoughtfully designed around patients and our teams, equipped with leading-edge technology, and built to meet the evolving needs of residents across Niagara. The new hospital will transform the way hospital care is delivered in Niagara by expanding access, improving patient flow, and creating modern spaces that foster healing, innovation, and collaboration. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this remarkable night possible. Together, we are building the future of hospital care in Niagara.”— Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO, Niagara Health

The new hospital will include 475 private patient rooms, increasing Niagara’s hospital capacity by more than 150 beds, 14 healing gardens and terraces, 42 inpatient dialysis stations, 170 complex care beds, a Senior Wellness Centre, expanded mental health and addictions services, and multiple centres of excellence designed to support advanced care for Niagara patients.

The evening’s success was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Gala’s sponsors: