Spirit of Hope Fashion Show Raises $35,769 for Parkinson’s
KELOWNA, BC, October 16, 2026 – Fashion and philanthropy took centre stage Thursday evening as the third Spirit of Hope fashion show raised $35,769 to advance Parkinson’s research and care at the Humphreys Family Movement Disorder Clinic at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH).
Held October 15 at Erica Jane Restaurant, the event was created and produced by Lu Kapp of Isabey Interiors, in partnership with the KGH Foundation, bringing together local businesses and community supporters in a shared commitment to improving care for people living with Parkinson’s in the Southern Interior.
The evening featured an elevated culinary experience, silent auction, runway fashion show, and a keynote address from Dr. Daryl Wile and Dr. Talyta Cortez Grippe, neurologists and movement disorder specialists at the Humphreys Family Movement Disorder Clinic. Funds raised were generously matched by the Humphreys Family, doubling the events impact.
“Spirit of Hope is a powerful reminder that community generosity can drive extraordinary progress in health care,” shares Chandel Schmidt, VP Philanthropy at KGH Foundation. “Dr. Wile, Dr. Grippe, and their team are making remarkable progress right here in Kelowna, but it wouldn’t be possible without community generosity and the Humphreys Family’s transformational $1 million commitment. We are honored to support the clinics vital work to improve the lives of Parkinson’s patients in our region.”
Nearly 3,000 people across the Interior Health region are living with Parkinson’s disease, a number expected to grow as the population ages. As demand for specialized care increases, philanthropy is playing a vital role in expanding access to expertise, advancing research, and accelerating innovations that can improve patients’ quality of life.
“When I started this clinic, my goal was to ensure that people living with movement disorders could access exceptional care without having to travel to larger centres,” shares Dr. Daryl Wile. “The generosity behind Spirit of Hope will help us continue to support research, attract specialized talent, and bring new technologies and treatment to patients here in the Interior. It’s incredibly meaningful to see our community invest in a better future for people living with Parkinson’s.”
The event was made possible through the generous support of Panorama Wealth Management Group – Scotia Bank, Sentes Automotive, Isabey Interiors, Mission Hill, and Erica Jane.
With Parkinson’s diagnoses on the rise, the event is helping ensure that patients and families across the Southern Interior have greater access to the specialized expertise, research, and care they need, closer to home.
To learn more about the work underway at the Humphreys Family Movement Disorder Clinic, visit www.kghfoundation.com/reimagining-parkinsons-care.
Since 1978, the KGH Foundation has worked with a generous community to raise funds to support world-class healthcare close to home for a growing and diverse population in the interior of B.C. Today, the KGH Foundation is the lead fundraising organization for Kelowna General Hospital, JoeAnna’s House, and Central Okanagan Hospice House, while also fundraising for vital community health care programs
Media Contact:
Jessie Billey
Marketing and Communications Manager
KGH Foundation
t | 250-862-4300 x 27270
e| Jessie.Billey@interiorhealth.ca
