Edward Foundation planning Big Gig fundraising gala

The Edward Foundation's 28th annual gala, The Big Gig: Swing, is the group's largest fundraiser of the year and supports Edward Hospital programs and services that directly impact patients.

This year's event begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Westin Lombard, 70 Yorktown Center in Lombard. It will feature a silent auction followed by dinner, dancing and a live auction.

A portion of this year's proceeds will help fund the foundation's Cardiac Innovations Campaign, which will support construction of the Structural Heart Center and a new, three-story medical office building on the northeast corner of the Edward Hospital campus in Naperville.

The facility will house physician offices, patient/family education and a chronic care outpatient center. In addition, new 12-bed intensive care and 12-bed observation units will replace the current physician office space on the fourth floor of Edward Heart Hospital.

A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available, tables of 10 or individual tickets can be purchased, and individuals and businesses can donate items for the silent and live auctions.

In addition, the gala will feature a "Golden Paddle Raffle" ($100 for one ticket, $200 for three tickets). The winner will choose one of the following items: Golden Paddle worth $5,000 to bid on live auction packages, $1,000 cash, or vacation packages for two in Costa Rica, Napa Valley or Pebble Beach.

For more information about purchasing tickets, participating in the raffle, becoming a sponsor, or donating items for the auctions, visit www.eehealth.org/EdwardBigGig.

The Edward Foundation was established in 1990 and has raised more than $49.9 million in its mission to support Edward Hospital's community health care initiatives, invest in the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technology, recruit world-class medical professionals and deliver the highest quality care to almost 1.7 million patients within the area it serves.