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(Image Credit: Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation)
Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation

Inaugural Hearts & Health Classic Golf Tournament raises $222,175 for Bringing Hearts Home

Aug 28, 2026 | 3:10 PM

Thanks to overwhelming community support, the inaugural Hearts & Health Classic Golf Tournament raised $222,175 in support of the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation’s Bringing Hearts Home campaign.

Held on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, Foundation officials say the tournament welcomed 30 teams and 120 golfers for a day filled with generosity, community spirit, and a commitment to advancing local cardiac care. These proceeds directly advance the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and ICU/CCU Expansion at Chinook Regional Hospital.

“The success of our first Hearts & Health Classic speaks volumes about the compassion and generosity that define southern Alberta,” said Crystal Elliott, Chief Executive Officer of the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.“ “The success of this tournament reflects the remarkable way Southern Albertans continue to step up and walk beside us in support of cardiac care closer to home. Through the generosity of sponsors, golfers, volunteers, committee members, and community champions, this event has become another meaningful example of what is possible when a region comes together around a shared vision for better healthcare.”

Foundation officials note they are deeply grateful to Ron Sakamoto, honorary co-chair of the Southern Alberta Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet, for what they describe as his visionary support in helping make the tournament possible. The Foundation says it also extends its sincere thanks to the organizing committee, whose leadership, dedication, and hard work helped bring this inaugural event to life.

Officials say strong support from local business sponsors drove the event’s success, which featured interactive hole contests across the course. A major highlight of the day, say Foundation officials, came on Hole #2 during the Hole-in-One competition sponsored by Schwartz Reliance Insurance & Registry, where golfer Mike Kelly hit a spectacular shot to take home a $10,000 prize, the 1st in the foundation’s many years of golf tournaments. Truly a spectacular moment.

Organizers say the Bringing Hearts Home campaign has surpassed its original $30 million fundraising goal through the generosity of more than 1,200 donors. As it looks to the future, the Foundation says it is exploring the establishment of a cardiac endowment to honour this legacy and support long-term planning for cardiac care in the region. Officials say transformational gifts received beyond the original campaign goal will be guided by donor wishes and help ensure generosity continues to advance cardiac care for generations to come.

Building on this inaugural success, CRHF says it looks forward to welcoming golfers, sponsors, and supporters back for the 2nd Annual Hearts & Health Classic in 2027. Further details will be shared as planning gets underway.