Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation’s The Fortune Ball Raises $760,000 for Patient Care

Curated BY FÊTE CHINOISE EDITORIAL TEAM (WITH NOTES FROM MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION)
Photography: courtesy of MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

The third annual Fortune Ball hosted by Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) Foundation brought together over 600 guests on November 23, 2024, for a heartwarming evening at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites. This year’s event, presented by TD, celebrated the strength and unity of the Chinese-Canadian community by raising an impressive $760,000 in support of Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital.

CP24 Breakfast host Jennifer Hsiung guided the evening’s festivities with elegance and warmth, while the Wushu Project captivated the audience with an energetic display of dragon and lion dances, a staple for the event. The soulful voice of Quisha Wint filled the ballroom, adding a touch of sophistication and emotion to the night.

L-R: MSH Foundation, Fortune Ball Co-Chairs-Gordan Chan, Alan Kwong, Stephen Li with Suzette Strong, CEO, MSH Foundation, Craig McOuat, Board Chair, MSH Foundation and event committee members Mimi Chau and Annie Ho

At the heart of the event were the founding members of the MSH Foundation’s Fortune Leadership Council (FLC): Alan Kwong, David Ho, Gordon Chan, Kenny Wan, and Stephen Li. All deeply rooted in the local Chinese business community, the leaders have been instrumental in fostering a culture of giving back to Markham Stouffville Hospital.

“Events like The Fortune Ball showcase the strength of our community and ensure Markham Stouffville Hospital can continue delivering exceptional care to every patient who walks through their doors,” said Stephen Li, Co-Chair and MSH Foundation Board Director. “Together, we are building a healthier future for generations to come.”

Grateful patient family member, Florence Lai, moves the audience and shares her storyalongside Layne, The Auctionista

One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments came when Florence Lai, a grateful family member of former MSH patients, shared her personal story. Florence recounted how her family found comfort and compassion through the care her father received in palliative care after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, as well as the support her in-laws experienced during their hospital stays.

Supporting The Fortune Ball Silent Auction with tickets to our Fête Chinoise Signature Event

We are honoured to participate in this meaningful gathering by sharing a copy of our annual publication with each guest in their gift bags, a token of the night’s celebration of culture and community. We were also delighted to contribute to the evening’s silent auction with a pair of tickets to our 2025 Signature Event at Lunar New Year Cultural Showcase & Cocktail Party, inviting attendees to continue celebrating heritage through thoughtfully curated experiences.

The funds raised at The Fortune Ball will directly support critical health care services and technology at Markham Stouffville Hospital, ensuring that the facility remains a leader in patient-centered care. With Markham’s rapidly growing and aging population, investments in surgery, diagnostic imaging, and emergency medicine are more essential than ever.

To relive the moments from The Fortune Ball or to make a donation in support of Markham Stouffville Hospital, visit www.mshfortuneball.ca and follow @supportMSH on social media.

Together, we can continue to bring exceptional care close to home, while celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our community.

Guests mingling and enjoying the third annual Fortune Ball

Wushu Project brings the energy with auspicious lion and dragon dance

CP24 Breakfast host Jennifer Hsiung, emcees The Fortune Ball

Mayor of Markham, Frank Scarpitti addresses the audience

The Fortune Ball achieved remarkable results by raising an impressive gross amount of $800,000, highlighting the generosity of sponsors, donors, and the entire community. The donations will support Markham Stouffville Hospital in acquiring the latest medical equipment and delivering exceptional patient-centred care for the community.

Whisky sampling in The CIBC Fortune Lounge

Suzette Strong, CEO, MSH Foundation, Stouffville Mayor, Iain Lovatt and Amber Lovejoy, District Vice President, Markham & Richmond Hill, Scotiabank

Experience the Magic of a Gala for a Meaningful Cause

Inspired by the elegance and impact of The Fortune Ball? Join us for the 2025 Signature Event: Lunar New Year Cultural Showcase & Cocktail Party on January 25, 2025, at Park Hyatt Toronto!

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