Abbotsford (Dr. Lakhbir K. Jassal) Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation announced the return of its signature fundraiser — the Fraser Valley Grand Gala, presented by Snowcrest Foods. The event was held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre in Abbotsford.
As the Foundation marks its 25th anniversary, this milestone event will embrace the theme of a romantic dinner party, bringing together community members and supporters for an evening dedicated to advancing local health care. Funds raised will support the purchase of cutting-edge technology that will transform how serious illness is diagnosed across the eastern Fraser Valley.
Tickets for the 25th Anniversary Fraser Valley Grand Gala are available now at fvhcf.ca
UPDATE – The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Grand Gala, presented by Snowcrest Foods, delivered an unforgettable evening of elegance, community spirit, and generosity—raising just shy of $300,000 in support of local hospitals.
Thanks to the generosity of the Fraser Valley community, the Foundation has achieved their goal of fully funding an Endobronchial Ultrasound Unit worth $500,000. This advanced endoscopy unit is critical for diagnosing lung cancer, a disease projected to increase by 10% annually. Over 300 people in the Fraser Valley are diagnosed with lung cancer every year, and current wait times for answers can take up to 80 days, leaving families anxious and uncertain.
Site Medical Director for Abbotsford Regional Hospital, David Liu, explains the importance of the new Unit: “Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers, accounting for 12.9% of all new cancer cases, according to the Canadian Cancer Statistics Dashboard. Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a respirologist to obtain tissue samples from within the lungs. More recently, the incorporation of ultrasound during bronchoscopy—known as an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)—has enabled respirologists to obtain real-time tissue samples from lung lesions and lymph nodes. Using ultrasound guidance, the respirologist can more accurately identify suspicious area and obtain biopsies. This approach reduces the need for repeated procedures and improves overall diagnostic accuracy.”
Currently, this procedure is available only at Royal Columbian Hospital. Introducing this technology at Abbotsford Regional Hospital will enhance accessibility, allowing patients to receive vital, specialized care closer to home, reducing travel burdens, and improving the patient experience in the Fraser Valley region.
The gala honoured the donors, volunteers, hospital auxiliaries, and Fraser Valley communities that have supported the Foundation over the past 25 years. Host Taya Fast from Global News and Auctioneer Marco Iannuzzi helped create a warm and memorable evening for all attendees.
The live auction raised more than $20,000, complemented by over $21,000 generated through the silent auction. Featured live auction items included Abbotsford Canucks suite tickets, a private in-home dinner for six prepared by Great Canadian Baking Show’s Bruno Feldeisen, a 3.5 carat lab-grown diamond pendant necklace donated by BC Gem Lab, an Elby Urban Cruiser E-bike donated by Lordco Auto, a limited edition Double Magnum 2022 Syrah from Burrowing Owl Estate Winery and a one-week stay in a beautiful Osoyoos condo.
The evening’s Fund a Need initiative was a standout highlight, raising more than $120,000 to support critical equipment and priority projects at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital, Fraser Canyon Hospital and Mission Memorial Hospital.
