Roar and Glitter: Two Events Past and Future, Plus a Family CARE Grants Announcement Coming
Published Monday, April 27, 2026
Message from Dr. Stephen Adams
Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
I think Chase the Case could be summed up in emcee Spencer Hari's jacket that night: colourful, glittering, and fun. The second annual event on April 16 at the Valhalla Ballroom was a huge success by any measure. Everyone enjoyed the four-course dinner; lots of game show-style Plinko, hook-a-duck, and wine pull; and of course the Main Event, Chase the Case itself inspired by Deal or No Deal. You really felt like you were in a game show!
At the end of the evening, we announced that more than $40,000 had been raised—but once the dust settled, the final total reached an incredible $60,375.57 in support of the Northern Cancer Fund for breast cancer care. That's thanks to the participants and the local businesses who supported the event including Title Sponsor Josh Francis and Bullseye Games and Presenting Sponsor Doane Grant Thornton. If you made it out that night, thanks to you too for helping raise money to support local care. And if you didn't make it, I'm sorry to tell you that you missed out on an incredible night. Plan to be there next year!
I also want to say kudos to the Foundation staff who pulled this fast-action, high-energy event together. You've outdone yourselves once again. Thanks too to emcee Spencer Hari and auctioneer Katie Nicholls, who did a great job bringing the evening to life. A special mention to Ashley Aitken, the keynote speaker of the evening. Her inspiring story of resilience in the face of breast cancer reminded us why local cancer services are so important.
Speaking of events, preparations are well underway now for the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad presented by PDR Contracting. This is one of the Foundation's oldest Signature Events. Last year, over 240 riders took to the highways and byways around Thunder Bay on two different poker run routes. In total, riders raised $71,826, also surpassing the Foundation's fundraising goal. I want to give a special shout-out to The 500 Club, who deserve recognition. These are the top pledge earners of $500 or more for local prostate care.
This year, Ride Day is on Saturday, June 20 with the Pre-registration BBQ at Gradner's Garage on Saturday, May 23. For more information and to register online: ridefordadtbay.ca
I'm also excited to tell you about an upcoming reveal for all the projects the Foundation funded through the Family CARE Grants. We'll be hosting a media event on Tuesday, April 28 to announce the latest initiatives brought forward by front-line staff at our Hospital. CARE stands for “Care Advancement Recommended by Employees” – and it's a way to support staff while improving patient care. Think of it as a big suggestion box, except that donors like you help fund those ideas and bring them to life! No spoilers, but keep an eye open in these pages in May for the exciting patient care improvements you supported.
I think we're finally in our Big Melt. Hope you're enjoying this warmer weather!
Dr. Stephen Adams