April 1, 2025 – St. John’s, N.L. – The Big Raise, an exclusive charity poker event founded by Craig Rowe and Craig Tucker, marked another successful year, raising $351,560 in support of surgical innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador. Hosted at JAG Soundhouse on Saturday, March 29, the event brought together local philanthropists in an engaging and meaningful display of generosity, highlighting the community’s shared dedication to enhancing health care.
Now in its second consecutive year supporting the Health Care Foundation, proceeds from this year’s event will directly support the acquisition of a state-of-the-art robotic-assisted surgical system, equipping local teams with the tools and technology to deliver advanced care and significantly enhance patient outcomes.
“The Big Raise exemplifies the remarkable impact of our philanthropic community,” said Paul Snow, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Health Care Foundation. “The generosity of our donors continues to drive progress— bringing us closer to surgical innovation and ensuring patients in Newfoundland and Labrador have access to exceptional care, right here at home.”
The Health Care Foundation recently launched an $8 million fundraising campaign to integrate robotic-assisted surgery into Newfoundland and Labrador’s health care system. This technology will initially focus on complex procedures in gynecological oncology, urology, and colorectal surgery, providing patients with shorter recovery periods, fewer complications, and access to specialized treatment.
“This event is an extraordinary example of our community coming together in the spirit of giving to support a cause with real impact,” said Jocelyn Perry, Honourary Chair of The Big Raise and Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Fortis Inc. “This year’s sold-out event brought people together in a powerful way. Thank you to all who contributed— because of you, we are one step closer to making robotic-assisted surgery a reality in our province.”
The Health Care Foundation extends sincere appreciation to this year’s presenting sponsors, Fortis Inc. and Keyin College, platinum sponsor belairdirect, and gold sponsors Browning Harvey Limited, CIBC, Oceanex, and RBC. The Foundation also gratefully acknowledges the generous support of all silver sponsors, participants, donors, and volunteers whose collective contributions helped make The Big Raise 2025 a standout success in support of adult health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Media contact
Samantha Harding
Director, Marketing and Communications
Health Care Foundation
T: (709) 687-9707
E: samantha.harding@healthcarefoundation.ca
