Case Study:
Graduate Scholarship Fundraiser
A full-day hockey tournament and formal dinner that raised over $20,000 to launch a cancer research scholarship at the University of Calgary, honouring the memory of my late mother-in-law, Margaret Rosso.
Margaret Rosso Graduate Scholarship in Cancer Research
In 2018, I co-led the launch of the Margaret Rosso Graduate Scholarship in Cancer Research in memory of my husband’s mother. To establish the scholarship fund and ensure its longevity, we organized and hosted a full-day community fundraiser at Canada Olympic Park. The event brought together athletes, donors, businesses, and community members for a hockey tournament, followed by a formal keynote dinner, entertainment and live music, and a silent auction.
The inaugural event raised over $20,000, allowing the scholarship to be awarded annually to graduate students at the University of Calgary who are committed to advancing cancer research. The first recipient, a student researcher who also spoke at the event, was recognized in 2018.
The fund has since grown into a permanent endowment, with enough in the account to support the scholarship in perpetuity.
Highlights
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Built and managed the event website and promotional content
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Coordinated multiple hockey teams and full tournament logistics
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Wrote and distributed a sponsorship request package, securing support from over 40 Canadian businesses
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Planned and managed a silent auction, keynote dinner, and entertainment (live band and magician)
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Recruited and coordinated keynote speakers, including a doctor from the Charbonneau Cancer Institute
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Served as co-Master of Ceremonies alongside my husband
Results
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Established a scholarship fund that continues to support graduate students annually
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Raised over $20,000 to launch the scholarship
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Awarded the first scholarship in 2018 to a student researcher, who also spoke at the event
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Since its creation, seven graduate students have received the award
