Guiding Lights Gala

Illuminating Futures & Inspiring Generations

The MaKami College Education Foundation invites you to celebrate the lasting impact of transforming lives through education at the Guiding Lights Gala on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.

Join other visionary leaders, changemakers, and community partners with a shared belief in the power of education in our first annual Guiding Lights Gala.

Your presence will help illuminate pathways for MaKami College students who are overcoming extraordinary barriers to pursue their academic career goals.

Many of our students are newcomers, single parents, career transitioners, and individuals rebuilding their lives. With access to education and the right supports, they can rise, creating ripple effects that strengthen communities and will shape Alberta’s future.

Our Foundation is dedicated to breaking down barriers to education. Through your generosity, we will open more doors to opportunity and affirm that every student deserves a chance to thrive.

Where Purpose Meets Possibility

Your support fuels transformational impact by opening doors for deserving learners through scholarships, providing academic and wellness support that empowers students to thrive, and offering child care assistance, emergency financial aid, ESL, and job-skills training that equip them with the tools and services they need to succeed.

This is philanthropy that reaches far beyond the classroom.

This is how futures are illuminated.

By joining the Guiding Lights Gala, you can help us get one step closer to transforming lives for students who dream of pursuing a post-secondary education but don’t have the financial means to do so.

Info: The VIP Reception, available to all VIP ticket guests, will include a champagne toast with retired General Rick Hillier and MaKami College's Board Chair Mark Frederick. Guests will also be provided a tour with elevated appetizer food stations and early access to silent auction items.

Info: All standard ticket holders are invited to join us for cocktails, appetizers, photos and an amazing silent auction prior to the gala doors opening.

Info: Enjoy an upscale plated dinner paired with wine and dessert, followed by a brief awards ceremony recognizing the outstanding donors who have contributed to the MaKami College Education Foundation. This portion of the evening will also include a phenomenal live auction.

Info: Wrap up this fantastic evening by enjoying live music and dancing courtesy of Edmonton's renowned Uptown Band!

Uptown is a high-energy party band known for their electrifying performances complete with dazzling costumes and slick choreography. They specialize in corporate event entertainment and have a repertoire of over 400 songs covering six decades of popular music.

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