A Sarnia born celebrity and author will headline this year's Bluewater Health Foundation Gala.
The tenth annual event will feature David Chilton, who is known for his bestselling book 'The Wealthy Barber' and is also a former Dragon on the CBC's Dragons' Den.
Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander said they're absolutely thrilled to have David at this year's gala.
"It's always important to us to have someone that connects with our audience and our community," said Alexander. "We know not every speaker is going to be from Lambton County, but when we have an opportunity to bring someone from our community and highlight all of their incredible efforts and all of their accolades, we're just so excited to do it."
She said they've been hoping to have David as the speaker for many years now, and the stars have finally aligned.
"We often ask our attendees and our sponsors if you could pick the speaker, who would you pick and why?" said Alexander. "And David Chilton's name has come up more than once, so we know people are excited."
In a news release, Chilton said he is truly thrilled to be speaking at this year's gala.
“We've been trying to arrange this forever but finally had no schedule conflicts," he said. "Fantastic cause and I promise to bring my A game (I have one, honest!) with lots of new material for a great Sarnia audience. See you there!”
The gala will be held on Thursday, May 9 at the Badger Hangar at Chris Hadfield Airport.
Alexander said funds raised will support the redevelopment of Bluewater Health's Cancer Clinic. Last year's sold-out event with Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser raised about $88,000 toward the project.
"We are in the midst of a $3.7 million goal to accomplish that very important project for the hospital and our patients in the community," said Alexander. "We've raised just about $2 million, we're about halfway there to our goal, and so proceeds from this year's gala will support that."
The annual event started in 2013 with Sarnia native Colonel Chris Hadfield as the keynote speaker. Other notable Canadians to headline the event over the past 10 years include comedian Jessica Holmes, six-time Olympic medalist Clara Hughes and Olympic soccer coach John Herdman.
Tickets are available through the Bluewater Health Foundation. Contact Adelle Stewardson at 519-464-4439 or astewardson@bluewaterhealth.ca.
Tickets are $250 each and include a $100 tax receipt.