In memory of Samantha Gannon, a 19-year-old student nurse from Milltown who died following a two-car collision in July of last year, family and friends are gathering for an 80s disco night fundraiser at the Ard Rí Hotel.
The event is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM on Sunday, October 25. Samantha was the daughter of Frank and Bridie and one of four children, alongside her brother Alex and sisters Megan and Chloe. At the time of her passing, she had completed the first of her four-year General Nursing course at ATU Castlebar.
Organ Donation Saved Five Recipients
Before her death on the Ballygaddy Road in Tuam, Samantha was an organ donor. Her heart, her lung, her liver, her kidneys and her pancreas went to five people.
Following her passing in the ICU Department of UHG, the Gannon family received a Thinking of You Memory Box from the ICU nurses. Run by the Saolta University Health Care Group of hospitals, the boxes contain items such as lockets of hair to offer solace to bereaved families.
Fundraising for the Saolta ICU Memory Box Charity
Moved by the support they received, the Gannon family decided to raise funds for the charity that provided their memory box. Frank Gannon noted that the charity brought them a lot of solace at a time when it felt like the ground was opening up and swallowing them, prompting the family to organize the upcoming themed social event to give back.
Organizers have set up a GoFundMe campaign to coincide with the 80s night fundraiser, which had received more than €5,000 in donations by the end of last week. Attendees are encouraged to wear 80s gear, though dressing up remains optional.
Prizes and Community Support for the Ard Rí Hotel Event
Ticket sales for the Sunday night gathering have progressed fairly well, supported by local businesses that volunteered between 30 and 40 spot prizes, including hampers and vouchers. In addition to a separate raffle, organizers have arranged a massive draw utilizing numbered ticket sales to select prize winners.
Samantha will never be forgotten,
Bridie Gannon said, noting that the gathering provides an opportunity for Samantha’s friends to meet up, be out socialising, dancing and chatting away, and enjoying themselves. We want to give them an occasion to remember.
Details for the Samantha Gannon Memorial Fundraiser
When and where is the Samantha Gannon memorial fundraiser taking place?
The 80s disco night takes place at the Ard Rí Hotel, kicking off at 8:00 PM on Sunday, October 25.
Which charity will receive the proceeds from the event?
The proceeds raised from the 80s night event will go to the Thinking of You Memory Boxes charity, run by the Saolta University Health Care Group of hospitals.
How much money has the GoFundMe campaign raised so far?
The online fundraising page had received more than €5,000 in donations by the end of last week.
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