Cold Lake, AB – The Hearts for Healthcare Gala returned to the Cold Lake Energy Centre on May 3, 2025, with a vibrant and immersive event that celebrated the community’s talent, generosity, and commitment to healthcare. This year’s theme, An Evening at the Museum, transformed the venue into a living gallery, featuring local artwork, live music, and powerful moments that brought the crowd together in support of a meaningful cause. By the end of the night, an incredible $325,000 had been raised to enhance healthcare services in the Lakeland region.

This year’s Community Appeal focused on raising funds for a Lucas CPR device and an ECG machine for the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre Emergency Department. The fundraising goal was set at $45,000—and thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses, and sponsors, that number was far surpassed. Contributions from supporters such as MPS Group, Dr. Eric Hansen, Mamacitas Mexican Restaurant, Teneah Farris – The Howarth Group with RE/MAX on Main, Barry and Renee Kalinski, Matthew Fedechko of Fountain Tire (Cold Lake) Co., SE Design & Consulting Inc., Donna and JM Michaud, Tri-Town Registries Inc., Superior Concrete Pumping, and Debbie Tercier and Jack Reitsma made the success of the appeal possible.

Guests were welcomed by Masters of Ceremonies Rob Brassard and Christina Kean, who kept the evening light, engaging, and heartfelt. Dinner was prepared by Joly’s Fine Cuisine, and the musical lineup included crowd-pleasing performances by Reegan Dehid, Joseph Clayton, and the duo of Colin Conway and Mitch Gillis. The evening also featured the return of the “First-to-Eat” auction, with Brown’s Industrial Services, Superior Concrete Pumping, and the Town of Bonnyville securing the top bids and sitting alongside healthcare guests at their tables. One of the most memorable features of the evening was the Art Heist Raffle and live-action performance, produced in partnership with Brown’s Industrial Services and Knox Industries, which captivated guests and added a creative twist to the program.

This year’s awards recognized outstanding contributions to healthcare and community service. Dr. Zaid Al-Ani received the Healthcare Excellence Award, while Elaine Wall (NP) was honoured with the Nursing Excellence Award. Alexis Corbin and Liz MacPhee-Kotowicz were recognized for ten years of volunteer service, and long-time board member Rob Brassard was celebrated for twenty years of dedicated involvement as a Hearts for Healthcare Director.

“Our community showed up in such a powerful way,” said Kari Leiper, Executive Director of Hearts for Healthcare. “The generosity in that room wasn’t just about reaching a fundraising goal—it was about making real change for the people in this region. These funds will provide lifesaving equipment, and that’s something every single person in the room can feel proud of.”

The success of the evening was made possible by the strong support of local sponsors. Superior Level Sponsors included the City of Cold Lake, Imperial Cold Lake, and the MD of Bonnyville. Distinguished Level Sponsors were Brown’s Industrial Services Ltd., Boston Pizza Cold Lake, Canadian Natural, Cenovus Energy, Lakeland Credit Union, Seven Lakes Oilfield Services, Superior Concrete Pumping 2001 Ltd., and Homegrown Herd.

More than 200 volunteers helped bring the event to life, and Hearts for Healthcare extends its gratitude to every individual and organization who donated their time and energy. Special thanks go to Johan and Amanda Heinrichs, Mitch and Bernie Lamontagne, and Ray and Donna Gillis, along with CLHS Grad Class, Cold Lake Royals Football, R&B Moving Systems, Sobeys Cold Lake, FM Graphx, Cold Lake Brewing & Distilling, Cold Lake Florist, Exquisite Eventures, Miles Wowk of Wowk Ranch Auctions, the Cold Lake Museums, Livingstone Art & Gem, CLS Storage, SE Design & Consulting Inc., Lily & Lavender Photo, the 4 Wing Band Brass Quintet, the Cold Lake Ag Society, Lakeland Co-op, Arturo Pena and Travis Roe, who captured the evening through his photography.

“The atmosphere in the room was incredible,” said board member Christina Kean. “This gala brought together the best of our community—art, generosity, music, and a shared commitment to making healthcare stronger for everyone. It was inspiring to be part of it.”

The museum theme was brought to life through a stunning collaboration with Cold Lake Museums and the participation of many local artists, whose work lined the venue with colour, creativity, and purpose. From intricate paintings to thoughtful installations, the event celebrated both the artistic spirit and the heart of Cold Lake. Guests who were moved by the artwork are encouraged to reach out to Hearts for Healthcare to be connected directly with the contributing artists.

The event was organized by a dedicated volunteer committee, including Kari Leiper, Ashley Brown, Jessica Jubinville, Corinne Hetherington, Lynne Colaris, Collette Stassen, Christina Kean, and James Breidenbach. Their planning and passion were instrumental in making the evening a success.

Planning for next year’s gala is already underway. Hearts for Healthcare invites the community to mark their calendars for next year’s event, taking place on May 2, 2026. For updates and opportunities to get involved, follow @HeartsForHealthcare on social media or visit heartsforhealthcare.ca.

Together, Cold Lake continues to build a stronger, healthier future—one meaningful night at a time.

For More Information:

Ashley Brown

Marketing and Communications Lead