For 25 years, Heart of Gold has helped shape health care in the Okanagan.
This year, the legacy enters a new era.
Brought to you by the KGH Foundation and Heart of Gold Committee
BEHIND THE CURTAIN
Anything is possible.
For one night, Heart of Gold transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Every moment, designed to surprise and delight.
Join us for an unforgettable evening in support of KGH’s Emergency Department.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
5:30 PM RECEPTION | 7 PM DINNER
BLACK TIE
OLD TOLKO MILL SITE – ELLIS STREET, KELOWNA
YOUR CHEFS FOR THE EVENING
CHEF BRIAN SKINNER
FRANKIE WE SALUTE YOU
Born and raised on the West Coast of BC, Chef Brian Skinner brings a thoughtful, plant-forward approach to cuisine shaped by years of experience in Canada and abroad. After earning his Red Seal, Brian gained Michelin-starred experience in Europe before returning to Vancouver to teach and open the award-winning restaurant The Acorn. Now based in Kelowna, he leads Frankie We Salute You, creating vegetable-based cuisine that is accessible, inspiring, and full of flavour.
CHEF KAI KOROLL
HUMO HOSPITALITY CONCEPTS
Raised along the Pacific coast, Chef Kai Koroll brings a deep respect for place, seasonality, and world-class ingredients to every table. After earning his Red Seal in Vancouver, Kai refined his craft in Tofino before taking on leadership roles with Cactus Club and 50th Parallel Estate Winery. Today, he leads HUMO Hospitality Concepts, including HUMO, Ask Pablo, and Epicurio Catering + Events, delivering modern, ingredient-driven cuisine shaped by the bounty of the Okanagan Valley.
CHEF MARK FILATOW
WATERFRONT WINES
With more than twenty-five years of experience, Chef Mark Filatow is the driving force behind Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar. After graduating with honours from Dubrulle Culinary Institute, Mark refined his craft at acclaimed BC restaurants including the Wickaninnish Inn, Bishop’s, Diva at the Met, and Fresco. One of the few chefs in Canada accepted into the Sommelier Guild, Mark brings exceptional expertise in food and wine pairing to the award-winning Kelowna restaurant.
CHEF JULIAN HELLMAN
KARAT CHOCOLATE
Julian Helman, pastry chef, chocolatier, and owner/operator of KARAT, brings a refined blend of French training, creativity, and craftsmanship to every creation. A second-generation pastry chef, Julian trained at the Culinary Institute of Canada, the French Pastry School in Chicago, and l’École Valrhona in France. With experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and more than 35 gold medals in international chocolate competitions, Julian crafts distinctive chocolates and pastries rooted in exceptional ingredients and thoughtful design.
CHEF IAN PHILLIMORE
CENTRAL
With a wealth of culinary experience and a deep passion for flavor, Chef Ian Phillimore has been a driving force in the kitchen at Central Kitchen + Bar for the past six years. Throughout his tenure, Ian’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in growing our business and shaping the vibrant, high-quality dining experience our guests love. Known for his technical precision and dedication to the craft, Ian consistently elevates our menu, balancing classic techniques with fresh, creative execution.
CHEF STEVIE RUSH
CENTRAL
Bringing a dynamic energy and an exceptional culinary pedigree, Chef Stevie Rush has spent the last six years anchoring the kitchen team at Central Kitchen + Bar. Stevie’s vision and tireless commitment have played a pivotal role in our growth and evolution as a local culinary destination. With a deep respect for quality ingredients and a talent for creating unforgettable flavor profiles, Stevie ensures that every dish leaving the line is crafted to perfection and full of character.
About Heart of Gold
Held once every two years, Heart of Gold is one of Canada’s most celebrated philanthropic events* — a glamorous and inspiring gala with a 25-year legacy of advancing health care at Kelowna General Hospital.
Since 2001, Heart of Gold has brought together donors, sponsors, volunteers, and leaders in our community who believe in what’s possible for health care in the Okanagan.
Together, they have raised more than $7 million in support of KGH and the care patients and families rely on every day.
Known for transforming ordinary spaces into unforgettable experiences, Heart of Gold continues to prove that when generosity, imagination, and purpose come together, anything is possible.
*2025 Canadian Event Award Finalist for Best Large-Scale Fundraising Event
*2023 Canadian Event Award Recipient for Best Fundraising Event
Over 25 Years of Impact
FAQs
Tickets are on sale now, you can purchase them here.
The dress code for the event is black tie – dress to impress.
We have some of the best Chefs in the Okanagan preparing your meal! If you have any dietary restrictions our Chefs need to be made aware of, or you would like a vegetarian option, please let us know prior to the event by calling 250-862-4438 so we can do our best to accommodate your request.
If eligible, a charitable tax receipt for a portion of the ticket price will be issued after the event. The receiptable amount will be determined after the event based on the fair market value of any benefits received.
You receive any eligible tax receipts following the event.
You will need to purchase a ticket in advance, but night of you can simply check in at the registration with your name upon arrival – no physical ticket required. Please ensure we have the names of all of your guests as well to ensure a smooth check-in.
Contact us:
If you have any additional questions, please call the KGH Foundation: (250)-862-4438
Please note that Heart of Gold is a 19+ event.