Cheers to Hope Brings Community Together to Support Health Research and Innovation

The Windsor-Essex community came together on November 6th at the Ambassador Golf Club for an inspiring evening of connection and celebration at “Cheers to Hope”, in support of WE-SPARK Health Institute’s Grants Program.

Hosted by CTV News Windsor’s Michelle Maluske, the event gathered researchers, healthcare professionals, students, and community members from across WE-SPARK’s five partner institutions, Erie Shores HealthCare, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, St. Clair College, the University of Windsor, and Windsor Regional Hospital, to showcase the innovative health research and collaborations improving lives across the region.

Guests enjoyed live music, hors d’oeuvres, and interactive presentations highlighting projects that are advancing patient care, driving medical discoveries, and strengthening partnerships across sectors. The evening’s energy reflected a shared commitment to building a healthier future for Windsor-Essex.

“Cheers to Hope is about more than fundraising. It’s about celebrating the partnerships, creativity, and compassion that drive health research in Windsor-Essex,” said Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, Interim Director of WE-SPARK Health Institute. “The funds raised will directly support local researchers whose ideas have the power to change lives.”

The WE-SPARK Grants Program provides seed funding for local researchers to launch new projects and foster collaboration among clinicians, educators, and scientists. Since its launch in 2020, the program has awarded 137 grants totaling nearly $2.5 million, supporting innovative research in areas such as cancer, brain health, chronic disease management, rehabilitation, and health equity.

WE-SPARK Health Institute extends heartfelt thanks to all attendees, sponsors, partners, and volunteers who helped make the evening a success, and to the Windsor-Essex community for their continued support of local health research and innovation.

For more information about the WE-SPARK Grants Program and previous projects, visit:
•    WE-SPARK Grants Program
•    Past projects