The Island Hospital Foundation blew past its goal of approximately $45,000 in its Heartstrings Auction at this year’s Gala of Hope.

“We had a fantastic event, our most successful ever,” said Gala Chair Courtney Orrock. “We raised $68,000 for the Heartstrings item and a total of $225,000 for the entire event.”

The auction raised money for new cardio-care equipment for the hospital in a matter of 10 minutes, the most ever raised in the Heartstrings auction, Orrock said.

The auction and Hooray for Hollywood themed gala brought 282 people to the Skagit Valley Casino Resort April 26.

“People were not only dressed up in Hollywood glamour but also as The Blues Brothers, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, outlaws and saloon girls from the Wild West, Joan Crawford, Ginger Rogers and many more,” Orrock said.

Among the 27 live auction items were a Dale Chihuly lithograph, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort outing for four, Hollywood movie premier package, Barrett Jackson Car Auction VIP package and an Akoya and Tahitian pearl necklace.

This year’s gala was the most successful since its inception five years ago, Orrock said. Since then it has raised more than $1 million.

A lot of the credit for the success goes to Orrock herself, said Cathy Herbold, foundation executive director. She has so much energy, she took the gala to another level, Herbold said.

With Orrock’s direction, the gala was put together with 38 volunteers. Funds raised go to the hospital for equipment and community services.

The 2009 Gala theme is Mardi Gras Masquerade and the Gala chair is Jo Ann Ross.