An Evening Of Something New: What to Expect On A Night Like No Other
On Saturday, November 15th, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation will be hosting An Evening of Something New at Lakehead University. An Evening of Something New is a celebration of community, connection, and commitment to the future of health care for our region.
We recently asked Lauren Andrew, owner and lead planner at Lauren Andrew Events, to share some behind-the-scenes details about an Evening of Something New. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect on a night like no other.
Lauren Andrew is an event planner, currently helping the OSMH Foundation bring an Evening of Something New to life.
Q: What makes “Evening of Something New” different than your typical events?
A: This year’s event is a total reimagining of what a fundraising gala can be. After many years of more traditional formats, it was very exciting to see that OSMHF wanted to create something modern, experiential, and engaging; an event that reflects the future of philanthropy and the evolving community around Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation.
“Evening of Something New” celebrates the Foundation’s 40th anniversary by doing exactly that—something new. Instead of a formal sit-down dinner, it’s a cocktail-style evening built on relationships, conversation, and connection. It’s designed to bring together both longtime supporters and a new generation of donors. I think it is important to open doors to opportunities for a new crowd of donors, those who may not yet have a “favourite charity,” but are ready to be part of something meaningful, social, and fun.
For me, it’s about creating space for fresh energy in philanthropy. Events that not only celebrate the past but actively invite the future in.
Q: What will the evening look and feel like?
A: From the moment guests arrive, they’ll be transported… literally. They will hitch a ride from the parking lot to the main entrance by way of a themed shuttle bus. They will be treated by an event concierge, be checked-in and greeted even before entering the space. Once inside, the night begins with the “Step Into the Future” entry experience—a metallic, iridescent tunnel filled with shimmering chrome accents, cascading crystal curtains, and shifting light that feels almost otherworldly. It’s meant to be immersive, like crossing into a new dimension where imagination and purpose meet.
The welcome area, themed “The Future Begins Here,” will open into a glowing, futuristic space with LED installations, chrome flooring, and light-changing OSMHF letters guiding guests forward. It’s expansive and full of possibility, symbolizing the next chapter of the Foundation’s story.
As guests flow through the bar and main spaces, the aesthetic becomes a blend of Gourmet Meets Galaxy: curved silver sofas, metallic textures, and light projections that animate the room in hues of purple, blue, and gold. Chef-led tasting stations and live entertainment create an atmosphere that’s alive with conversation and connection.
With a curated set-list, stunning lighting effects, guests will experience a sense of celebration that’s both nostalgic and forward-looking.
The entire event is designed to feel cinematic, sophisticated, and full of movement; less like a fundraiser, and more like an unforgettable evening that just-so-happens to change lives.
Q: What were some of your inspirations for the décor?
A: The inspiration came from the idea of transformation—both visual and symbolic. We wanted to merge the nostalgia of the Foundation’s 40-year legacy with a bold, futuristic design language that speaks to innovation and possibility.
Aesthetically, I was inspired by modern hospitality spaces, gallery installations, and the visual world of retro-futurism, where metallics, light play, and texture converge to create something timeless yet forward-thinking.
Each lighting cue, texture, and surface was chosen to reflect the theme of “Infinite Possibilities”—a nod to the donors and supporters who help shape the hospital’s future.
Q: What excites you about the event?
A: Having supported the Foundation’s events for the past three years, this one feels truly special. It’s not just another celebration, it’s a turning point. I’m excited to see how guests respond to something so different, something that blends design, purpose, and emotion in a completely new way.
What excites me most is that this event will help open doors to new audiences. People who may not have been involved before, but who will walk away inspired, connected, and ready to support the hospital in the years ahead.
There’s a real joy in creating an environment that not only looks incredible but also makes people feel something—a sense of belonging to a community that’s shaping the future together.
Q: Why is it important to you to support Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital?
A: Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital is such an important part of this community—it’s where moments of care, compassion, and healing happen every day. For me, having lived in Orillia and the surrounding area most of my adult life, Soldiers’ has been there through some of my biggest milestones, including the birth of my two children.
After meeting and being cared for by so many incredible people within the hospital, I feel a real responsibility to help ensure it continues to thrive for generations to come.
I think there’s a whole group of us in this “in-between” stage of life who may not yet be able to give on a large scale, but who still have the ability to choose where and when to spend our time and money for experiences that mean a lot to us. Think sporting events, concerts, festivals, themed party nights… If fundraising can meet that group where they are—by creating modern, meaningful events—it opens the door to a whole new generation of donors and lifelong supporters.
Being able to contribute through design makes that feel even more special. It’s a way to use creativity to spark connection and generosity. This year’s event is such a beautiful reflection of that—honouring 40 years of impact while boldly stepping into the future.
An Evening of Something New will take place on November 15th, 2025. Tickets can be purchased at https://trellis.org/an-evening-of-something-new.