The Beat Goes On Gala raises $700k for heart health

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer globally for both men and women.

The good news is that the innovative research, education and health care being done at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta will reduce the effect of the disease.

The largest heart institute in Western Canada was created in 2003 thanks to a $15-million donation from the Alvin and Mona Libin Foundation. This was, at the time, the largest single donation to Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary.

It’s signature annual fundraising event, The Beat Goes On Gala, was held Sept. 21 at the Hyatt Regency. It raised more than $700,000, bringing the cumulative total to more than $5.2 million.

Musical greats, the likes of

Jim Cuddy, Jesse Cook, Randy Bachman and Steven Page, have headlined the must-attend gala over the years.

This year saw Canada’s most awarded male singer-songwriter, Paul Brandt, take to the stage. Other musical highlights this night included a performance by five-year-old piano prodigy Rachel Wong.

“The Libin Institute is a committed champion of “precision medicine,” where we aim to provide the best treatments tailored specifically for that person and delivered by the right provider at the optimal time. This is the future of medicine, and we are at the leading edge” said Dr. Paul Fedak, director of Libin Cardiovascular Institute.

“We are grateful to our community partners for their generous support of our precision medicine initiatives. Together, we are shaping the future of cardiovascular health.”

Newly appointed gala co-chair Dr. Todd Anderson echoed Fedak’s remarks by adding “We are so grateful to our community partners for continuing to support the innovative cardiovascular research, education and health-care work going on at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta.

“Together, we are making a difference in the lives of local patients and their families.”

Joining Anderson in the co-chair role were Joe Starkman, president of Knightsbridge Homes, and returning co-chairs Tony Dilawri, partner of Dilawri Group of Companies, and Ken King of the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation.

Others among the more than 400 guests in attendance included: Bill Andrew, Beverly and

Sam Mozell, Tony Vandenbrink, James Clements, Lillian Wiens, Bobby Libin and his children Ashley, Louis and Nora Lee (née Libin) with her husband, Chris Lee, and others pictured.

With files from the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta

PHOTOS: BRITTON LEDINGHAM/IEVOLVE PHOTO The sixth annual The Beat Goes On Gala in support of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta raised $700,000 for cardiovascular research, education and clinical care. Institute director Dr. Paul Fedak, left, and founding donor Alvin Libin attended.

Dr. Paul Fedak, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta director, and his wife, Ellen Keinick, took part in the hugely successful fundraiser.

Country music star Paul Brandt is one of a long line of musical talents who have headlined the annual The Beat Goes On Gala.

Karen Anderson, left, Ellen and Tony Dilawri — gala co-chair and partner Dilawri Group of Companies — and Joe Starkman of Knightsbridge Homes, and gala co-chair.

From left: Bill Andrew, Beverly and Sam Mozell, gala co-chair Dr. Todd Anderson, and Tony Vandenbrink at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta’s sixth annual The Beat Goes On Gala.

From left: James Clements, senior vice-president strategic planning and technology transformation, Lillian Wiens, and Dr. Todd Anderson.

It was a family affair at the gala with, from left: Ashley, Louis and Alvin Libin, Nora Lee (née Libin), Chris Lee and Bobby Libin.