The Beat Goes On Gala raises $900,000 for cardiovascular research

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta’s fourth annual The Beat Goes on Gala, held Sept. 9 at the BMO Centre, raised more than $900,000 for cardiovascular research in southern Alberta.

More than 400 people attended the event, enjoying a four-course meal, taking in an inspiring classical violin performance by Anna Stube, 11, and dancing to the tunes of multi-Juno award winning Canadian artist Randy Bachman.

Ken King, gala co-chair and president/CEO, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, expressed his gratitude to attendees and sponsors.

"Each year the Beat Goes On Gala finds new friends and continued support from many annual contributors,” said King. “The Libin Cardiovascular Institute work is essential to heart health and an important player in the world.”

Tony Dilawri, gala co-chair and partner of the Dilawri Group of Companies, agreed and thanked the community for its generosity in supporting the important work of the Libin Institute.

“I know first-hand the importance of cardiac expertise, and I can assure you that the staff at the Libin Institute are some of the best in the world,” he said.

• Watch videos about the Libin Insititute's five-year priorities: Vascular and Electrophysiology

Since the gala’s inception in 2014, it has raised more than $3.6 million for cardiovascular research.

Proceeds from this year’s event will help fund clinical researchers at the Libin Institute and help purchase cutting-edge experimental imaging equipment for basic science researchers.

Dr. Todd Anderson, Libin Institute director, said amazing partnerships are behind the gala’s continued success.

“On behalf of all of the Libin Institute members, we are so very grateful to our co-chairs and the partnership between Alberta Health Services, the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine and the very generous community,” he said. “Great research and training leads to excellent clinical care, which we are fortunate to have in Calgary thanks to events like the gala.”

About The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta co-ordinates cardiovascular science research, education and care delivery as an entity of the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services (Calgary). The Libin Institute is made up of more than 175 research and/or clinicians members, who, through 1,500 staff serve two million people in Southern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Eastern British Columbia. It is committed to enabling cardiovascular health through transformative research. Visit the Institute at libininstitute.org