The Gala of the Century: Celebrating 100 Years of Hope and Healing

The stars were out at Le Salon Richmond for the gala of the century, a dazzling celebration of 100 years of hope, healing and innovation at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada. Shining brightest, filling the room with hope, inspiration and even tears, were our incredible patients. The program brought the hospital's mission to life by uniting donors, patients and the community in a celebration of – and for – the children.

The evening began in style as patients, staff, generous donors and Shriners from coast to coast made their way down the red carpet, greeted by the warm enthusiasm of media personality Mose Persico, television personality and current host of Montreal radio station CFQR 600 AM. Mose brought his signature charm as he interviewed patients and guests, setting the tone for a night that would celebrate compassion, community and the enduring spirit of giving.

Inside the venue, CBC Montreal news anchor Debra Arbec took the stage as master of ceremonies and guided guests through the program.

“It is pure joy to open our doors wider to the broader community and share what we Shriners have dedicated our lives to for 100 years,” said Gary McKeown, chairman of the Board of Governors for Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada and keynote speaker at the event.

The night featured moving moments that captured the heart of the Shriners Children's mission.

One of the most unforgettable moments was a dance by patient Emma, performed to the song I Am a Fighter. Emma lives with congenital scoliosis, a rare condition that impacts her mobility, breathing and comfort. Despite those challenges, her strength shined through every moment of her performance.

“Every movement carries her strength, every leap defies the limits that scoliosis has tried to place on her,” said Cari, Emma’s mother.

Seeing her dance had everyone in the room in awe, including her physician Neil Saran M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada. “I’m truly touched. It’s amazing to see what she’s accomplished. I’m so proud of her – she keeps pushing what she can do – she is an inspiration to everyone,” said Dr. Saran.

Twenty-five patients attended the event, with representation from all the provinces and Shriner chapters across Canada. Many took the stage to share their stories, showing our guests the profound impact their support has. 

“Each of you carries a story of courage, resilience, and triumph. You are the reason we are here, the reason we do what we do. You are the best possible reminder of the impact this hospital makes,” said keynote speaker Kelly Thorstad, acting administrator at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada.

Among them was longtime ambassador Kaleb, 17, who reflected on a lifetime of care and community.

“It’s immeasurable in words, impossible to quantify. It’s not just one person or a team of persons – it’s a generational effort. A torch passed down to me, and it will be passed to future kids. Eventually, a bird has to leave its nest … but wherever the Shriners will guide me is going to tread a path that I am comfortable walking, well … rolling.”

Mr. McKeown then welcomed the leadership of Shriners Children’s – Leslie Stewart, M.D., chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Imperial Potentate Sir Brad T. Koehn – to the stage. Together, they took the audience on a journey through the remarkable history of the hospital – from its beginnings in 1925, through the pivotal years of growth, to the establishment of our first research center and the pioneering innovations that set new standards of care around the world.

The audience also had the opportunity to hear six additional patient stories during a special segment hosted by Debra Arbec. Through their first-hand accounts, these patients brought to life the exceptional care and lasting impact of every interaction at the hospital.

To close the night, Director of Philanthropy Chad Polito and Major Gifts Officer Jessica Jaschek thanked everyone who made the evening possible, including our key sponsor: the Air Canada Foundation, which helps fund flights for children from across Canada to Montreal. 

“As I look around this room, I don’t just see supporters. I see leaders who are shaping the future, and together we are building a legacy that will define children’s health in Canada for the next century,” said Polito.

Montreal R&B artist Shaharah and her talented band then took the stage, bringing everyone to their feet and to the dance floor. A former patient herself, Shaharah shared heartfelt words about the near 10 years she spent feeling “at home” at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada.

The evening closed with a sense of togetherness. Former patient and now donor Karen expressed how moved she was to attend, and how she still feels that connection.

“Even at 62 years old, I am well past the age of being a kid and have long since aged out from being a patient, but I will always be a Shriners kid,” she said. “At the Gala, as my husband George and I sat at a table with Shriners, I could still feel their love and support. The Shriners will always be part of who I am and will always be in my heart.”

As the lights dimmed and guests shared their final embraces, one message resonated clearly – the story of Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada continues as we step proudly into our next century of exceptional care.