On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the MaKami College Education Foundation will host its signature philanthropic event, the Guiding Lights Gala, at the stunning Empire Ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton, Alberta. This is more than a gala. It is a legacy evening for visionary changemakers: a gathering of business leaders, community builders, government representatives, and purpose-driven organizations united by one powerful belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive.

Sponsoring the Guiding Lights Gala is your invitation to align your brand with educational excellence, make a direct and lasting community impact, and be recognized among Alberta’s most influential philanthropic leaders.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Here is everything you need to know.

Why Sponsor the Guiding Lights Gala?

The MaKami College Education Foundation breaks down barriers to education for students who face extraordinary obstacles, such as newcomers to Canada, single parents, career transitioners, and individuals rebuilding their lives. Through scholarships, academic and wellness support, childcare assistance, emergency financial aid, and English language and job-skills training, the Foundation creates ripple effects that extend across families and communities.

When you sponsor the Guiding Lights Gala, you receive four powerful returns on your investment:

1. Purpose-Driven Brand Alignment: Associate your organization with educational excellence, community empowerment, and transformational impact. In today’s market, purpose matters.

2. Strategic Visibility: Your brand is featured across gala materials, event screens, select promotional channels, and social media — reaching hundreds of Edmonton’s most influential decision-makers in a single evening.

3. Meaningful Connections: Sit alongside community leaders, business executives, government representatives, and philanthropic partners in one of Edmonton’s most prestigious venues.

4. Direct Community Impact: Your sponsorship funds real, measurable outcomes: scholarships opened, careers launched, families strengthened, and Alberta’s workforce enriched for generations.

Evening Schedule: Saturday, May 16, 2026

The Guiding Lights Gala promises an unforgettable evening:

• 5:00 PM — VIP Reception
• 5:30 PM — Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
• 6:30 PM — Dinner, Donor Awards & Live Auction
• 8:30 PM — Dance with Live Entertainment (featuring the Uptown Band)

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Empire Ballroom, Edmonton, Alberta

Available Sponsorship Packages

Premium Sponsorships: VIP Table Experience

All Premium Sponsorship packages include exclusive VIP Table seating for 10 guests per table, a premier wine service, an exclusive VIP Champagne Reception with General Rick Hillier and Board Chair Mark Frederick, strategic brand placement across the website, social media platforms and event signage, on-screen and event program recognition, and a charitable tax-deductible receipt where applicable.

guidinglightsgala.ca

North Star Sponsorship $15,000

The North Star Sponsorship is designed for organizations that want to lead with prominence. As a North Star Sponsor, your organization receives:

• 2 VIP Tables (20 guests)
• Introduction and recognition as a North Star Sponsor during the program
• Half-page premium advertisement in the event program

This sponsorship positions your brand at the heart of the evening, ensuring your organization is seen, heard, and remembered by every guest in the room.

Aurora Sponsorship $10,000

The Aurora Sponsorship offers exceptional value for organizations looking to make a meaningful impact while gaining significant brand recognition. Aurora Sponsors receive:

• 1 VIP Table (10 guests)
• Introduction and recognition as an Aurora Sponsor during the program
• Quarter-page advertisement in the event program

The Aurora Sponsorship is ideal for growing organizations that want a premium seat at the table, literally and figuratively.

Standard Gala Tables & Tickets

Not ready for a full VIP sponsorship? Join us at the Standard level and still make a powerful statement of support.

Student Table $2,500

Give the gift of inspiration. The Student Table sponsorship provides deserving MaKami College students with seats at this transformational evening, an experience that can ignite ambition and deepen their connection to a community that believes in them.

Includes: Table branding, recognition in the event program, and your logo on screen during the event.

Standard Table $2,500

Host your team, clients, or community partners while directly supporting the Foundation’s life-changing work.

Includes: Table branding, recognition in the event program, and your logo on screen during the event.

Standard Ticket $250 per person

Join an elegant evening of dinner, live entertainment, and philanthropic celebration. Individual tickets are available for those who want to experience the Guiding Lights Gala and support a transformative cause.

Experience & Creative Sponsorships

Stand out in a memorable way by sponsoring a specific moment or element of the gala experience. All Experience Sponsors receive signage at the sponsored location, verbal acknowledgment, and their logo featured in the program and on event screens.

Creative Sponsors receive prominent signage, screen recognition, program acknowledgment, and a listing on the Foundation’s website.

Experience and Creative Sponsorships are a fantastic opportunity for businesses of all sizes to gain meaningful brand exposure at a high-profile philanthropic event, at a level that fits your budget.

Auction Item Donations

The Guiding Lights Gala also welcomes donations of silent auction items, live auction items, and swag bag items.

Silent Auction examples: Spa and wellness packages, restaurant experiences, artwork or décor, high-quality gift baskets.

Live Auction examples: Travel packages and luxury getaways, private chef experiences, VIP sports or concert tickets, high-value luxury goods or services.

All auction donors receive recognition on screen and in the event program, listing on the MaKami College Education Foundation website, and a charitable donation receipt where applicable.

You can view the full sponsorship package for more information.

The Story Behind the Gala

“When I came to Canada as a young mother, every door felt closed. The MaKami College Education Foundation opened one that changed everything. Today I am working in a career I love, supporting my children and building a life filled with possibility. Your support made that future possible.” — Avelina Reyes, MaKami College Graduate

Your sponsorship creates stories like Avelina’s – again and again.

Secure Your Sponsorship Today

Sponsorship opportunities for the Guiding Lights Gala 2026 are limited, and several packages are already spoken for. We encourage you to act now to secure your preferred level of partnership before the remaining opportunities are filled.

For sponsorships, donations, custom partnerships, or more information, please contact: Laura Smart at lsmart@makamicollege.com

The post Sponsor the Guiding Lights Gala 2026 and Illuminate Futures Across Alberta appeared first on MaKami Education Foundation.

The MaKami Education Foundation, Alberta’s registered education charity dedicated to removing barriers to post-secondary learning, is proud to announce the inaugural Guiding Lights Gala, taking place on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the iconic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Empire Ballroom in Edmonton. This landmark evening brings together visionary leaders, philanthropists, and community champions in celebration of education’s power to transform lives across Alberta.

Alberta’s Education Foundation Takes the Stage

For more than a decade, the MaKami Education Foundation has worked quietly and diligently behind the scenes — funding scholarships, providing wraparound student support, and opening doors for Albertans who face extraordinary barriers on the path to education. The Guiding Lights Gala marks a new and public chapter for the foundation: a first annual event that invites the broader Alberta community to witness and share in that mission.

As an Education Foundation rooted in Alberta, MEF understands that the students it serves — newcomers, single parents, career transitioners, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and individuals rebuilding their lives — are not on the margins of society. They are its future. And with the right support, they can rise.

“When I came to Canada as a young mother, every door felt closed. The MaKami College Education Foundation opened one that changed everything. Today I am working in a career I love, supporting my children, and building a life filled with possibility. Your support made that future possible.”

— Avelina Reyes, MaKami College Graduate

Event Details at a Glance

✦ Guiding Lights Gala — Event Information

DateSaturday, May 16, 2026

VenueFairmont Hotel Macdonald — Empire Ballroom, Edmonton, Alberta

Doors Open5:00 PM (VIP Reception)

TicketsAvailable individually or by table via Eventbrite

Proceeds100% go directly to student education support

An Evening Program Designed to Inspire

The Guiding Lights Gala is more than a fundraising dinner — it is a celebration of what becomes possible when a community rallies around education. Guests will enjoy an elegant, purpose-driven evening at one of Edmonton’s most storied venues, the Empire Ballroom at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.

From an exclusive VIP reception to live entertainment and a spirited auction, every moment of the evening is crafted to connect attendees with the students whose lives their generosity helps shape.

Where Purpose Meets Possibility: The Impact of Your Support

Every dollar raised at the Guiding Lights Gala flows directly back into MEF’s programs — fuelling the kind of transformational change that reaches far beyond a single classroom. As an Education Foundation serving Alberta students at every stage of their journey, MEF’s impact is holistic and lasting.

Your Support Funds

• Scholarships and bursaries covering tuition, books, and supplies
• Academic and wellness support services
• Childcare assistance for student parents
• Emergency financial aid for students in crisis
• English as a Second Language (ESL) training
• Job skills training and employment readiness programs
• Mental health counselling and wraparound community support

These are not luxury programs. For many MEF students, they are the difference between starting an educational journey and never being able to begin one at all. When an Alberta newcomer can access ESL training alongside her post-secondary studies, she does not just graduate — she becomes a mentor, a professional, and a contributor to the communities that welcomed her.

This is philanthropy that creates ripple effects. And the Guiding Lights Gala is how that philanthropy comes to life.

Who Should Attend the Guiding Lights Gala?

The Guiding Lights Gala is designed for anyone who believes in the transforming power of education and wants to make a tangible difference in Alberta communities. This includes:

The Gala Welcomes

• Business leaders and corporate philanthropists
• Community changemakers and non-profit advocates
• Alumni and supporters of MaKami College
• Education advocates across Alberta
• Individuals looking to invest meaningfully in their community
• Organizations seeking partnership and sponsorship opportunities

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Organizations that align with the MaKami Education Foundation’s mission have a unique opportunity to amplify their community impact through the Guiding Lights Gala. Sponsorship packages offer meaningful brand visibility alongside a cause that matters — supporting Albertans who are overcoming extraordinary barriers to pursue their education.

For complete sponsorship details, download the Donor & Sponsorship Package or contact Laura Smart directly to discuss how your organization can play a role in illuminating futures across Alberta.

Can’t Make It? You Can Still Make a Difference

If attending in person isn’t possible, the MaKami Education Foundation warmly welcomes online donations, and every contribution goes directly to student education. There is no administrative overhead removing your gift from the students who need it most. 100% of proceeds support MEF’s programs.

Whether you purchase a gala ticket, reserve a table for your team, sponsor the event, or make an online donation, you are becoming part of the movement to ensure that every Albertan, regardless of their circumstances, has access to a quality education and the support to succeed.

About the MaKami Education Foundation

The MaKami Education Foundation is an Alberta-based registered charity (Charitable No. 843277211 RR 0001) with offices in Edmonton and Calgary. Formerly known as Queen Esther Education Foundation, the organization rebranded in September 2024 to better reflect its deep connection to MaKami College, Alberta’s publicly funded, not-for-profit post-secondary institution.

As an Education Foundation serving Alberta since 2010, MEF has championed inclusive access to post-secondary education for immigrants and newcomers, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, victims of human trafficking, individuals navigating addiction recovery, and students facing socio-economic hardship.

The post Guiding Lights Gala 2026: Illuminating Futures, Inspiring Generations appeared first on MaKami Education Foundation.

A New Name, the Same Powerful Mission

In September 2024, the foundation formally rebranded from Queen Esther Education Foundation to MaKami Education Foundation. The name change reflects the foundation’s close and natural connection to MaKami College — Alberta’s publicly funded, not-for-profit post-secondary institution with campuses in Edmonton and Calgary.

While the name is new, the work is not. MEF is a registered Canadian charity (Charitable No. 843277211 RR 0001) that has been operating since 2010 with a singular focus: to ensure that physical, mental, and socio-economic barriers never stand between a person and their educational dreams.

“Improving the lives of those in our community through the transforming power of education.”

What Is the MaKami Education Foundation?

MEF is an Alberta-based education foundation and registered charity with offices in both Edmonton and Calgary. Its mission is to empower individuals facing barriers to pursue post-secondary education at MaKami College and beyond.

The foundation takes a holistic approach to student support — recognizing that the obstacles keeping people out of classrooms aren’t always financial. Language, housing, childcare, mental health, and employment readiness all play a role. That’s why MEF has built a wraparound network of specialized services designed to meet students where they are.

Who Does MEF Serve?

The MaKami Education Foundation serves a wide and diverse range of Albertans, including:

Communities MEF Supports

• Immigrants and newcomers to Canada
• Indigenous Peoples
• Persons with disabilities
• Victims of human trafficking
• Individuals navigating addiction recovery
• Students facing socio-economic hardship

By serving these communities, MEF is helping build a more equitable Alberta — one where access to post-secondary education is a real possibility for every person, not just a privilege for the few.

How MEF Removes Barriers to Education

As an education foundation in Alberta, MEF goes far beyond traditional scholarship programs. Through tailored services and community partnerships, the foundation addresses the full spectrum of challenges students may face:

MEF’s Core Services

• Scholarships and bursaries for tuition, books, and supplies
• Financial assistance for living expenses
• English as a Second Language (ESL) training
• Document translation services
• Career counselling
• Mental health counselling and support
• Job skills training and employment assistance
• Housing assistance
• Childcare support

Scholarships & Bursaries Available Now

A cornerstone of MEF’s work is its scholarship and bursary program. Through the MaKami Education Foundation, students enrolled in programs at MaKami College can access a range of financial awards to help cover the real costs of education.

Among the foundation’s newest offerings is the General Hillier Valour and Service Veterans and Military Families Scholarship — established with an initial $1-million contribution from the founding family of MaKami College. Available as of April 1, 2025, this scholarship is specifically designed to honour the sacrifices of military families by removing financial barriers to higher education.

For a full overview of available scholarships and bursaries, and to learn about the application process, prospective students are encouraged to reach out to MEF directly.

About MaKami College

MaKami College is a publicly funded, not-for-profit academic institution with campuses in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta. Founded in 2001, it has grown into the largest massage therapy school in Alberta, offering a broad range of health, business, and community-focused programs. MaKami became a not-for-profit institution in 2024, reinforcing its commitment to community over profit. Learn more at makamicollege.com.

Why This Education Foundation Matters for Alberta

Alberta is home to a vibrant and diverse population — and many of those residents face real, compounding barriers when it comes to accessing post-secondary education. The MaKami Education Foundation is one of the few organizations in the province addressing these barriers at every level: financially, linguistically, socially, and emotionally.

For newcomers navigating an unfamiliar system, for Indigenous students seeking culturally sensitive support, or for a single parent weighing childcare costs against tuition — MEF exists to say: there is a way forward, and we will help you find it.

By aligning closely with MaKami College under a unified name, the foundation is better positioned than ever to serve students, attract donors, and grow its community impact across Edmonton, Calgary, and all of Alberta.

How You Can Get Involved

MEF’s work depends on the generosity and engagement of the broader community. There are several ways to support the foundation’s mission:

Donate

Monetary donations — of any size — go directly toward scholarships, bursaries, and student support services. Every dollar helps an Albertan move one step closer to their educational goals.

Volunteer Your Time

MEF welcomes support from community members who want to contribute their skills, whether in mentorship, translation, career counselling, or event support.

Attend the Guiding Lights Gala

MEF’s signature fundraising event, the Guiding Lights Gala, brings together community leaders, supporters, and advocates to celebrate student success and raise funds for the foundation’s programs. Visit guidinglightsgala.ca for upcoming event details.

A Foundation Built on Community

MaKami College was founded by a family of first-generation Canadians who understood firsthand what it means to navigate a new country, a new language, and a new system. That lived experience has shaped everything about how MEF operates — with empathy, with urgency, and with a genuine belief that education transforms lives.

The rebranding to MaKami Education Foundation is more than a name change. It is a public declaration of alignment, accountability, and ambition: to be the leading education foundation in Alberta for students who need support the most.

The post Introducing the MaKami Education Foundation: Alberta’s Education Charity Breaking Down Barriers to Learning appeared first on MaKami Education Foundation.