More than $25k bid wins quilt tribute at 2025 annual Be an Angel Gala in Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation raised at least $25,500 with its annual evening of live entertainment, award presentations and fundraising auctions in the city.

The foundation’s Be an Angel Gala brought together donors, volunteers and community partners when it returned on November 8th at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre. 

The event complements the Light a Moose Radiothon in raising money for the Fort St. John Hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU).

The total amount raised from the 2025 gala is still being confirmed, but the evening included a $25,500 bid from Mat and Jenelle Loewen of Mustang Rentals for the ‘I Remember Quilt.’

Created by volunteers in 2007, people have the opportunity at the gala each year to bid to have a loved one’s name sewn into the material. 

Jenelle said the donation was made in memory of Willie Fehr. 

“Willie was a wonderful, kind man who took time for everyone,” she said. “He truly loved God, his family and the community he lived in.”

With the Loewens’ donation, the quilt has raised more than $100,000 since its creation.  

Opening the evening, foundation board chair Desirae Jeannotte said: “Looking ahead, the need remains great, but so does our determination.

“Together, we will continue to ensure that our hospital thrives, our healthcare professionals are equipped and that every patient in our region receives the quality care they deserve.”

Various awards were also presented during the evening, including the Janet Taylor Award to Wyatt and Twila Soule. Twila served on the foundation’s board of directors, but both have been long-standing donors and volunteers.

“This award is not about titles or accolades – it’s about heart,” said Kelly Amboe, Fort St. John Hospital Foundation executive director.

“It’s about those who show up, lend a hand and make a difference not for recognition, but because they care.”

The winner of the new Corporate Acts of Responsibility and Excellence (CARE) Award – which recognizes businesses that volunteer, advocate or offer partnership towards enhancing patient care –  was also announced as Mustang Rentals.

Mustang “demonstrated exceptional leadership in community giving and hands-on support,” the foundation said in a press release on November 14th. 

“Tonight’s recipient is a local business that inspired the creation of this award,” noted Jim Reeder, Fort St. John Hospital Foundation board member.

The gala was sponsored by ConocoPhillips.

The 22nd annual Light a Moose radiothon is scheduled to run from November 19th to 21st, with 100.1 Moose FM broadcasting live from outside the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. 

The radiothon aims to raise $150,000 for an ultrasound with a thoracic probe, a transport monitor and a temperature management system.

Moose FM is owned by Energeticcity.ca’s parent company, Moose Media.