Board of Trustees Chair, Morgan Manzer and Board Member/ Gala Chair Alisa Mesheau with RBC’s Regional President Chris Ronald. (Stoo Metz Photography)
November 23, 2025 | Photos by Stoo Metz Photography
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia welcomed more than 570 guests to the RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala: Northern Lights & Ocean Nights on Saturday, raising $390,000 and counting to support mental health and addictions programs throughout the province. It was a pleasure to share the evening with Their Honours, the Honourable Mike Savage, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and Mrs. Darlene Savage.
“Tonight, we’re celebrating the natural beauty of our country, but we’re also celebrating something you can’t always see,” said Starr Cunningham, President & CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. “It’s our sense of community, our connections to each other, and our shared desire to create safe, inclusive spaces where all Nova Scotians can shine. That’s what your support makes possible, not just at Christmas, but all year long.”
President & CEO, Starr Cunningham
Their Honours, the Honourable Mike Savage, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and Mrs. Darlene Savage
Video Highlight Showcases Community Impact
Guests were invited to view a special video reflecting the Foundation’s purpose to create a connected community of hope while funding mental health and addictions initiatives across Nova Scotia. Programs supported by the Foundation aim to reduce loneliness, build connection, prevent crisis, and provide care when and where it is needed most.
Celebrating the Season with Hope and Connection
The gala featured a vibrant reception, a beautifully curated dinner, and musical performances by Big Fish, with a special reception performance by saxophonist Carlos Baez. Award-winning journalist Steve Murphy served as Master of Ceremonies, leading guests through an inspiring program that included silent and live auctions, raffles, and festive photo moments courtesy of a photobooth by Timothy Richard. Guests were treated to a special appearance by writer, literacy advocate and long-time Foundation supporter, Sheree Fitch.
Master of Ceremonies, Steve Murphy
Author, Sheree Fitch
Live Auction Raises $80,000
Bidding was enthusiastic throughout the evening, with the live auction alone raising $80,000 in support of community mental health. Highlights included:
Vice-Regal Luncheon with Their Honours, Mike and Darlene Savage at Historic Government House
Chef Craig Flinn at Your Home – Dinner for eight with $500 in paired wines
Fox Harb’r Golf Getaway – Three nights in a three-bedroom Executive Townhome with eight rounds of golf
Basking in Barbados – One-week stay at Cragmere Villa for eight, plus $2,000 airfare
Rifflin’ Hitch Experience – Three-night all-inclusive experience for four in Labrador
Gratitude to Sponsors and Partners
The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of:
RBC, J&W Murphy Foundation, Steele Auto Group, St. John Ambulance, Advocate Printing & Publishing, CTV Atlantic, Shortstop, RPM Productions, Encore, Glow The Event Store, Moore Suites, Touch of Gold, and all of this year’s Mental Health Heroes.
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Next year’s gala will take place on November 21, 2026. Reserve tickets today!
