MEDIA ADVISORY | Edmonton Elks Ovarian Cancer Research Endowment Fund eclipses $1,000,000 raised
Game Changers: A Women's Training Camp, presented by James H. Brown and Associates, helped raise over $62,000 for the fund in 2025
EDMONTON - An incredible milestone, two decades in the making.
The Edmonton Elks Football Club, in partnership with the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation and the Alberta Women's Health Foundation, are proud to announce they have officially surpassed $1,000,000 raised for the Edmonton Elks Ovarian Cancer Research Endowment Fund.
“Surpassing $1,000,000 for women’s health research is an incredible milestone. Ovarian cancer remains a complex and formidable opponent — often silent in its early stages and, in some forms, highly aggressive," Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO of the RAHF and AWHF said. "Thanks to the leadership and generosity of the Edmonton Elks community, we are creating hope through research and moving closer to better detection, better treatments, and brighter futures for women everywhere.”
The fund, originally established in 2008, was created as a means of advancing critical research and supporting women’s health initiatives. The Endowment Fund was previously supported through an annual fundraising dinner, which has now been reimagined as the new interactive event Game Changers: A Women's Training Camp, presented by James H. Brown and Associates.
The initiative continues a history of support for ovarian cancer research in honour of longtime Edmonton Eskimos staff member Pam Monastyrskyj, who passed away in 2005 following her own courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
The Edmonton Elks 2025 Game Changers event was met with rave reviews from the participants and saw a total of $62,484.85 raised for the Endowment Fund, pushing the total donations over the million-dollar mark.
“Reaching the one million dollar milestone for the Edmonton Elks Women’s Endowment Fund is an incredibly meaningful moment for our community." 2026 Game Changers Co-Chair Chelsea Philpott said. "What started as a vision to honour Pam Monastyrskyj and support ovarian cancer research has grown into something truly powerful. Game Changers brings women together in a way that is both inspiring and impactful, and this milestone is a testament to the generosity, passion, and commitment of everyone who has supported the event along the way."
To celebrate the accomplishment, the club will host a cheque presentation in the Elks Locker Room on Tuesday, March 17. Members of the media are invited to Commonwealth Stadium to take part in the event.
Elks President and CEO Chris Morris, 2026 Game Changers Co-Chair Chelsea Philpott, 2025 Game Changers Co-Chair Joan Forge, President and CEO of the RAHF/AWHF Sharlene Rutherford, and Trent Brown from James H. Brown and Associates will be available for interviews.
The Elks will also announce details for the 2026 Game Changers event, which will take place once again this season at Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday, June 27.
Details for media interested in attending the event can be found below.
EVENTS DETAILS:
Elks Endowment Fund Press Conference
WHO:
- Elks President and CEO Chris Morris
- 2026 Game Changers Co-Chair Chelsea Philpott
- 2025 Game Changers Co-Chair Joan Forge
- President and CEO of the RAHF/AWHF Sharlene Rutherford
- EE Alumnus and presenting partner Trent Brown
- Additional guests may be available to speak
WHEN:
- Tuesday, March 17 at 11:00 am MT
- Media, please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the press conference
WHERE:
- Edmonton Elks Locker Room - Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium
- Parking in LOT B on the West side of the Stadium
- Meet at the Elks Team Store upon arrival
FORMAT:
- Speakers and Cheque Presentation beginning at 11:00 am MT
- Individual interviews available on request
The Edmonton Elks are proud members of the Canadian Football League, playing their home games at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta.
The club, officially renamed the Elks in June of 2021, has a tradition of excellence, having won 14 Grey Cup championships (1954-56, 1975, 1978-82, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2005, 2015). Since its founding, the club has remained focused on providing outstanding football memories for Edmonton and all of Northern Alberta.
Elks Football… Always Edmonton
