Stampede with Purpose: CMDA Calgary Event on May 31

by Shael Gelfand 

(Calgary) – Dust off your cowboy hat, polish up your boots, and save the date—May 31. That’s when Stampede with a Purpose, Canadian Magen David Adom’s annual Calgary Gala, rides into town for a night you won’t want to miss.

Shaking things up this year, Sharon Fraiman, CMDA’s dynamic Western Regional Director, Major Gifts, has chosen a Stampede theme. “Cocktail Western,” says Fraiman. Think fancy jeans and elegant western dresses, western shirts and blazers, bandanas and bolo ties—and, of course, cowboy hats and cowboy boots.

Like all CMDA galas, this one is sure to impress. Fraiman and her dedicated volunteers are planning a fabulous evening featuring delicious western-inspired cuisine, all prepared under strict kosher supervision, and top-flight country music by Tyler Two Guns, a renowned Tsuut’ina Nation entertainer. Tyler also happens to be the Chief of the Tsuut’ina Nation Fire Department.

“This is Stampede with a purpose,” says Fraiman, “and that purpose is to come together to save lives.”

Joining the evening as a guest speaker will be Uri Shacham, MDA’s Deputy Director and Chief of Staff, who will travel from Tel Aviv to provide an update on Magen David Adom’s life-saving work.

The keynote speaker, Loay Alshareef, is sure to captivate guests and leave a lasting impression. An Arab influencer and activist with over 200,000 followers on X and more than 150,000 followers on Instagram, Alshareef advocates for normalized relationships between Israel and the Arab world and has been described as an “Arab-Zionist.”

“It’s because of the efforts of long-time CMDA supporter Valerie Sobel that we have Loay here for our Stampede gala,” says Fraiman. “I’m so appreciative and want to say thank you, Valerie, for your friendship and for all that you do.”

Fraiman often reminds people that saving lives takes strong community support. “Here in Calgary, we’ve played a huge role. Our community has donated ambulances, emergency scooters, and vital supplies that save lives every single day. I can’t say thank you enough.”

CMDA will also launch an exciting new initiative: MICU Second Life, a campaign that transforms retired Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICUs) into Mobile Mass Casualty Stations (MMCS) capable of treating up to 50 patients at a time.

Sponsorships, table sales, and tickets for Stampede with a Purpose are now available.
To learn more, please contact Sharon Fraiman, Western Regional Director & Major Gifts, at 587-435-5808 or sfraiman@cmdai.org.