Your organization has the power to change a student’s trajectory, and the Guiding Lights Gala is where that change begins.
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.
⭐ 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.
| Experience Sponsorship | Investment |
|---|---|
| Live Entertainment (Uptown Band) | $5,000 |
| Cocktail Hour | $5,000 |
| Welcome Drink | $2,500 |
| Dessert | $1,500 |
Creative Sponsors receive prominent signage, screen recognition, program acknowledgment, and a listing on the Foundation’s website.
| Creative Sponsorship | Investment |
|---|---|
| Wine | $5,000 |
| Centre-piece | $2,500 |
| VIP Gift Bag | $2,500 |
| Photo Booth | $1,500 |
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 [email protected]