Calgary Gala 2025

The May 4th annual gala event in Calgary did not disappoint.  Over 400 attendees jam-packed the Carriage House Hotel ballroom for more of what they’ve come to expect over the years: CMDA stories of rescues and heroism along with fabulous entertainment. 

Sharon Fraiman, Lenny Shapiro, Arlene Abitan, Sidney Benizri and Robin Murphy Shapiro.

The garden-themed gala, produced by Sharon Fraiman, CMDA Regional Director and Major Gifts, attracted dignitaries like MP Stephanie Kusie, numerous city councillors and MLA’s.  Even Calgary’s own famous shark from the popular TV show “Shark Tank”, Brett Wilson, joined in and surprised everyone with an impromptu donation of $50,000. 

The reception cocktail party around the silent auction featured violinist Steven Klevsky who, later in the evening, played the Schindler’s List theme on a lent Holocaust violin from the Amnon Weinstein’s Violins of Hope Collection. 

The evening highlighted an internationally award-winning Calgary-based pianist, Dr. Thomas Yu, who together with Steinway Piano Gallery Calgary, donated their time, effort, instrument and talent to the CMDA fundraiser.  Dr. Yu, also a renowned periodontist, wowed the audience with his virtuosity around colorful piano arrangements by Liszt and Gershwin. 

The evening wouldn’t be complete without the special guests of honor, Israeli MDA leadership team of Uri Shacham , Raphael Herbst and Chaim Dagan, who shared incredible stories and a video of the life-saving work MDA does in Israel.  Uri told a heroic and chilling story of Adam, a Druze MDA worker who went on to save many children’s lives seconds after watching his own daughter succumb to her wounds.

From Montreal, Arlene Abitan , National President, and Sidney Benizri, National Executive Director thanked the Calgary CMDA-supporting community of Jews and non-Jews for their unwavering stand behind Israel and CMDA.  Arlene remarked on the warmth, togetherness and friendliness of the community as well as the kind reception she received as a first-time attendee of the Calgary gala. 

Complete article available on the Alberta Jewish News site.
https://albertajewishnews.com/cmda-hosts-an-unforgettable-gala-in-calgary/