STARS Air Ambulance is celebrating a million dollar fundraising milestone from the Taber Charity Auction. (Photo: STARS Air Ambulance)

By David Opinko

Taber Charity Auction celebrates $1M fundraising milestone for STARS

Jul 29, 2025 | 9:15 AM

STARS Air Ambulance is honouring a significant achievement for a small town’s efforts to raise money for emergency air rescue services.

A total of $1,030,008 has been raised for STARS by the Taber Charity Auction (TCA) since it started collecting donations in 1996.

Mike Lamacchia, Chief Operating Officer for Provincial Operations at STARS, says he is grateful for the work the community has done to support them.

“At STARS, we recognize our greatest allies by placing their names on our helicopters, and for 29 years, the Taber Charity Auction has been a trusted ally and a lifeline in critical care,” says Lamacchia. “This partnership allows us to connect our world-class crews with residents in southern Alberta when they need it most.”

STARS has unveiled a special logo for the TCA on the tail fin of one of its helicopters, which you can see at the bottom of this article. This is considered an exclusive space reserved for key community partners.

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The air ambulance service was the first organization to receive donations from the TCA.

It came after a local resident was in a collision and was airlifted to hospital by STARS, prompting the founding of the TCA by locals Jack and Debbie French.

Mitch Holst, Co-Chair of the TCA, says he is proud to continue supporting STARS.

“Our roots run deep with STARS, and we’re proud to support their mission through the Taber Charity Auction,” says Holst. “Knowing that STARS is there for us not only brings comfort in difficult situations but helps make Taber a safer and stronger community.”

STARS says the TCA’s logo is a symbol, not only for its impact on critical care, but of a relationship built on trust, community and shared purpose.

The Taber Charity Auction logo is now displayed on a STARS Air Ambulance helicopter. (Photo: STARS Air Ambulance)