A Canadian media personality, television host, and podcaster will take centre stage at this year's Bluewater Health Foundation Gala.
Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander announced the gala's guest speaker Thursday morning on Blackburn Media Inc. radio.
"This year our keynote speaker, he's incredible and I'm very, very excited on behalf of NGL Supply Co. Ltd., who has been our generous presenting sponsor for well over 10 years that George Stroumboulopoulos will be the keynote speaker at this year's gala," said Alexander.
Strombolopolous is the host of STROMBO on Apple Music’s global radio station, AppleMusic Hits, and curator for Apple’s book club; Strombo’s Lit.
Over the course of his career, Strombolopolous has interviewed an impressive lineup of entertainment icons, sports stars, world leaders and respected thinkers, including Oprah Winfrey, Michael J. Fox, King Charles III, Hillary Clinton, and Jean Chrétien.
He is a six-time Gemini Award and Canadian Screen Award winner for best host in a talk series.
"Just thrilled," said Alexander. "He adds to the list of successful speakers that we've had and we're really, really excited to announce this today."
Alexander said funds raised from this year's gala, to be held at the Badger Hanger at Chris Hadfield Airport, will directly benefit the ongoing cancer care redevelopment at Bluewater Health in Sarnia.
"Actually we've enhanced our campaign goal, it's a little bit higher than when we originally started a couple of years ago," said Alexander. "So we are now at a $5-million campaign to redevelop that very important space for patients and families diagnosed with cancer across Lambton County."
Alexander said last year's gala, featuring Sarnia native and The Wealthy Barber author David Chilton, was their fastest sellout and raised $80,000.
Tickets for the May 9th gala are $250 and available through the foundation office at 519-464-4436 or by emailing astewardson@bluewaterhealth.ca.