Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation Hosts Fourth Annual Fortune Ball

Written by FÊTE CHINOISE EDITORIAL TEAM (WITH NOTES FROM MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION)
Photography: courtesy of MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Recognizing Presenting Sponsor, TD for their support of the 2025 The Fortune Ball in support of Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation hosted its fourth annual Fortune Ball on November 22, 2025, at the Hilton Toronto Markham Suites. Presented by TD, the event raised critical funds in support of Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH). The gala highlighted the rich traditions of Chinese-Canadian culture through exquisite cuisine, vibrant entertainment, and a shared commitment to community and philanthropy.

The evening was chaired by founding members of MSH Foundation’s Fortune Leadership Council (FLC), a group of local Chinese philanthropic supporters including Alan Kwong, David Ho, Gordon Chan, Stephen Li, and Kenny Wan. In its fourth year, the combined efforts of FLC and The Fortune Ball have raised $5.2 million to date.

Co-Chair David Ho shared the Chinese proverb, “If you always give, you always have,” reflecting the spirit of generosity that drives the gala. Funds raised help strengthen hospital care by updating equipment, expanding the campus, and enhancing services for patients.

Suzette Strong, CEO, Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation (MSH) and Mark Fam, President and CEO, Oak Valley Health, celebrate the success of The Fortune Ball and Fortune Leadership Council with Anita Mah, Senior Development Officer, MSH Foundation (centre) and The Fortune Ball Co-Chairs — David Ho, Gordon Chan, Alan Kwong, Kenny Wan, and Stephen Li

Mayor Iain Lovatt, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, brings greetings and support at The Fortune Ball

Suzette Strong, CEO of MSH Foundation, noted that the hospital’s ability to deliver high-quality, integrated, patient-centred care relies on the commitment of donors and philanthropic leaders. She emphasized that MSH remains a cornerstone of community health thanks to ongoing support.

This year, the gala focused on equipping patient exam rooms in the Emergency Department, helping MSH respond to urgent and evolving needs as the community grows. Dr. Elizabeth Poon, Emergency Physician at Oak Valley Health, said, “We need to bolster the Emergency Department because it’s the place people come to when they have nowhere else to go.”

The evening was energized by returning emcee Jennifer Hsiung, host of CP24 Breakfast, and featured captivating performances by Sandy Sun, the Sun Ling School of Dance, and George St. Kitts.

Host of CP24 Breakfast, Jennifer Hsiung returns to emcee The Fortune Ball benefiting Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital

Sandy Sun and Sun Ling School of Dance take the stage with a vibrant cultural performance

Master Guo-Xuan Ruan and his Chinese Orchestra open The Fortune Ball with a captivating performance that sets the tone for an elegant evening

The George St. Kitts Band gets the crowd on their feet with their dynamic set

For Fête Chinoise, it was an honour to participate in this meaningful celebration. We were thrilled to support the evening’s fundraising efforts by contributing to the silent auction with a pair of tickets to our 2026 Signature Event at Lunar New Year Cultural Showcase & Black Tie Party, and by offering each guest a complimentary copy of our keepsake magazine. Sharing our publication, a celebration of Chinese-Canadian artistry, heritage, and storytelling, felt especially fitting at an event dedicated to cultural pride and community connection.

To make a donation in support of Markham Stouffville Hospital, visit www.mshfortuneball.ca and follow @supportMSH on social media.

Experience the Magic of a Gala for Meaningful Causes

Inspired by the elegance and impact of The Fortune Ball? Join us for the 2026 Signature Event at Lunar New Year on February 7, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto—an evening of culture, celebration, and meaningful giving!

More from Fête Chiniose

Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation Hosts Fourth Annual Fortune Ball

Born to Dare: David Beckham in Toronto to Celebrate TUDOR

As Fête Chinoise continues to celebrate our 10th anniversary, we find ourselves reflecting on what it truly means to stand the test of time, and to be daring in our universe of story-telling, publishing and experience-making. Honouring legacy while embracing bold, creative evolution is at the heart of our work — a parallel vision we saw powerfully reflected at the recent TUDOR Evening with David Beckham in Toronto. We learned firsthand how the TUDOR x Beckham partnership continues to redefine what it means to be timeless.

Written in the Stars: Biblio Bash 2025 Lights Up the Night for Youth Programs

The Toronto Public Library (TPL) Foundation’s Biblio Bash returned to the Toronto Reference Library yesterday. This annual black-tie fundraiser is known for its elegant evening at the iconic library, where celebrated authors joined guests for dinner throughout the atrium. Funds raised from the event support TPL’s vital programs.

Last year’s event raised funds for the Foundation’s Newcomer Community Initiative, and this year, Biblio Bash surpassed its fundraising target, bringing in an impressive $1,070,100 to support youth programs and initiatives focused on social health and mental wellness for teens across Toronto.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Lunar New Year Celebration Returns with Festive Sounds

Toronto’s Lunar New Year celebrations are flourishing, reflecting the growing vibrancy and inclusivity of this cherished Chinese festival within the community. Together, we are moving culture forward.

2025 Year of the Wooden Snake Chinese Zodiac Predictions 二零二五乙巳木蛇年 • 十二生肖運程

In 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake will be marked by challenges but also opportunities for growth and improvement. Discover your Chinese Zodiac predictions for the 2025 Year of the Wooden Snake today, provided by Master Paul Ng. Purchase your copy of Edition 10: Thinking in Decades to explore each year's zodiac predictions!

Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation’s The Fortune Ball Raises $760,000 for Patient Care

The third annual Fortune Ball hosted by Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) Foundation brought together over 600 guests on November 23, 2024, for an heartwarming evening at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites. This year’s event, presented by TD, celebrated the strength and unity of the Chinese-Canadian community by raising an impressive $760,000 in support of Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Dragons and Power: The Origin and Evolution of the Dragon Motif in Chinese Art History 飛龍在天萬乘之尊：龍紋在中國藝術史中的起源與演變

For millennia, representations of dragons have been deeply ingrained in Chinese art across a variety of media. The dragon’s various depictions highlight its pivotal role as a representation of the divine, a symbol of imperial authority, and a dynamic force capable of warding off malevolent influences. Through its role as a benevolent deity, it’s believed to bring auspicious events, such as rainfall, and to foster life on earth.

‘Love at Mid-Autumn’ Campaign Raises $65,000 for Scarborough Health Network and the Fête Chinoise Cultural Foundation

Our "Love at Mid-Autumn" campaign returned for its fourth year, culminating in a successful Thank You Cheque Presentation Event last Friday at the Scotiabank North Tower. Born in a time of uncertainty, the campaign continues to spread love throughout the community, achieving a new milestone by raising $65,000 for Scarborough Health Network and the Fête Chinoise Cultural Foundation.

Rediscovering Roots Through A Unique Lens: A Journey through China

Dive into a heartfelt story from our dear friend and collaborator Karl, who recently embarked on a journey to China. His unique perspective is beautifully captured through his lens, reflecting the up-close and personal interaction and connection with his culture and heritage. His images will resonate with many of us who are primarily based in Canada but have roots in Asia: "Every visit to China is a voyage of discovery, revealing its rich cultural tapestry amidst rapid modern development." Discover the intriguing blend of China's traditions and its rapid modern advancements through his lens.

2024 Fire Horse Award Celebrates Interdisciplinary Media Artist Paul Wong

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival proudly announces pioneer visual and media Canadian artist Paul Wong as the 2024 Fire Horse Award recipient, honouring his community work, advocacy, and activism. The ceremony, hosted by Lainey Lui, took place on May 23rd at the Shangri-La Hotel Toronto, with notable attendees including Andrew Phung, Mayor Olivia Chow, the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson, and Ann Pornel.

Happening In June: Experiences Of Culture, Art And Heritage

Explore a curated selection of arts and cultural events we've handpicked for you to experience this June. From pottery workshops to immersive installations, there's something for everyone. Plus, don't miss the traditional Dragon Boat Festival (Duan Wu Festival 端午節) coming up next week, offering a rich celebration of Chinese culture and heritage!

Bamboo Mood: Jiang Qiong Er Blends French Art de Vivre X Chinese Culture in Roche Bobois Collaboration

What’s the mood of bamboo? In her latest collaboration with French Luxury Lifestyle Brand Roche Bobois, renowned Chinese designer Jiang Qiong Er 蔣瓊耳 has beautifully captured the French Art de Vivre and Oriental Spirits and fashioned an environment that blends comfort with aesthetic allure.