Beat Goes On Gala hits all the right notes

The Palomino Room at the BMO Centre was rocking Sept. 8 as more than 500 guests gathered to support the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta’s fifth annual The Beat Goes On Gala, featuring headliner Steven Page, former member of The Barenaked Ladies. The event raised more than $900,000 to support cardiovascular care and research in southern Alberta. Since inception five years ago, the must-attend gala has raised more than $4.5 million.

“Each year the Beat Goes On Gala finds new friends and continued support from many annual contributors,” said Ken King, gala co-chair, vice-chairman and CEO of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation. “The work of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute is key in local heart health and is of international significance. We are grateful for the support.”

Proceeds from this year’s gala event will help support the Institute’s new Women’s Cardiovascular Health Research Initiative, which brings together great research and clinical minds focused on women’s cardiovascular health. Members of this group are engaged in a wide variety of programs that focus on the entire lifespan of women from youth to pregnancy right through to menopause and beyond.

“This community deserves accolades for the generous support it has provided to the Libin Cardiovascular Institute,” said Tony Dilawri, gala co-chair and partner, Dilawri Group of Companies. “Cardiac expertise and research save lives, and the staff at the Libin Institute are some of the best in the world.”

Institute director Dr. Todd Anderson added: “Our goal is to decrease the burden of suffering due to cardiovascular disease through excellence in training, research and clinical care. We are so very grateful for the support of our partners, the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, our co-chairs and the local community.”

Guests having a marvellous time this night included Institute founder Alvin Libin and his son Bobby and grandchildren Louis, Nora and Eda Libin; Sam and Beverly Mozell; Myrna Linder, director of development at Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary; Verna Yui, president and CEO of Alberta Health Services; Bennett Jones LLP partner Harinder Basra and his wife Dr. Sonia Butalia; Avi Amir, Homes by Avi chairman and his wife Rachel; and others pictured.