ALEXANDRE-PARKS FOUNDATION GALA 2026
An Evening of Recognition, Hope & Impact
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2026
Salle Richelieu · Léopold-Taillon Pavilion
Université de Moncton
$125 PER PERSON
Tables of 8 · Limited seating
AN EVENING WITH PURPOSE
Together, We Honour a Legacy and Help Shape the Future
The Alexandre-Parks Foundation Gala is a special opportunity to come together as a community in support of education and medical research.
Hosted at the Université de Moncton, the 2026 Gala will bring together supporters, partners, researchers, community members and friends of the Foundation for an evening of celebration, recognition and connection.
Research creates hope. Education creates opportunity. And together, we can help shape the future.
YOUR EVENING
A warm welcome. A memorable evening.
5:00 PM
WELCOME COCKTAIL
Begin the evening with wine, conversation and a warm welcome before the Gala begins.
6:00 PM
THE GALA BEGINS
Join us for an evening of recognition, inspiring stories, exceptional food and meaningful moments in support of medical research and the next generation of researchers.
MORE THAN A DINNER
An Evening to Experience, Celebrate & Remember
RECOGNITION
Celebrate individuals and organizations whose generosity, dedication and involvement help the Foundation shine.
SILENT AUCTION
Discover generously donated items and experiences and take part in our silent auction throughout the evening.
FUNDRAISING
Throughout the evening, guests will have opportunities to participate and help advance the Foundation’s mission.
COMMUNITY
Enjoy meaningful conversations and shared moments with the people who make our work possible.
CELEBRATING THOSE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Recognizing the People Behind Our Mission
Each year, the Alexandre-Parks Foundation takes a moment during the Gala to recognize individuals and organizations whose commitment, generosity and involvement help move our mission forward.
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
Celebrating individuals whose time, energy and dedication helped bring the Foundation’s mission to life throughout the year.
DEDICATION & COMMITMENT
Recognizing individuals whose exceptional commitment, availability and support made a meaningful difference to the Foundation and its mission.
EVENT CONTRIBUTION
Honoring individuals and organizations whose involvement, sponsorship, donated prizes, participation or presence helped make the Foundation’s events a success.
PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT
Recognizing an individual, organization or donor whose exceptional financial support contributed to advancing the Foundation’s mission.
Recipients will be recognized during the Gala.
A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON
Alexandre’s curiosity, courage and passion for science continue to guide everything we do.
The Alexandre-Parks Foundation was created in honour of Alexandre—a young scientist whose passion for learning, discovery and research continues to inspire our work.
His legacy lives on through the students who receive our scholarships, the research we help advance and the next generation of scientists we help prepare to make a difference.
Every scholarship awarded. Every researcher empowered. Every step forward. It all begins with Alexandre.
CARRYING ALEXANDRE’S LEGACY FORWARD
From his passion for science to the next generation of scientists.
Today, the Foundation carries Alexandre’s legacy forward by awarding doctoral scholarships and helping advance medical research close to home.
DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Awarding doctoral scholarships to students at the Université de Moncton who are pursuing research in areas connected to the Foundation’s mission.
MEDICAL RESEARCH
Helping advance research in autoimmune diseases, breast cancer, pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation.
THE NEXT GENERATION
Encouraging young scientists as they pursue knowledge, discovery and new ways to improve lives.
AN EVENING TO SAVOR
Good food. Meaningful conversation. A shared experience.
Choose from three dinner selections when purchasing your ticket:
SALMON
CHICKEN SUPREME
VEGETARIAN
Dessert, tea and coffee will be served.
MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR PARTNERS
Their generosity helps make this evening possible and contributes to the mission of the Alexandre-Parks Foundation.
MAJOR SPONSOR
Welcome Cocktail Presenting Sponsor
KEY SPONSOR
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
GUY DESPRÉS / BMO NESBITT BURNS
IN HONOR OF ALEXANDRE
His life inspired our mission.
His legacy lives on through every young scientist we encourage and every step forward in research.
JOIN US
Be part of an evening that honors Alexandre and helps carry his legacy forward.
Interested in supporting the Gala? Explore our sponsorship opportunities and discover how your organization can help advance the Foundation’s mission.
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
From a first benefit dinner to today’s Recognition Gala, each event has helped carry Alexandre’s legacy forward.
What began as a way to honor Alexandre has grown into a community coming together to advance doctoral scholarships, medical research and the next generation of scientists.
2018 — THE BEGINNING
The Foundation’s first benefit dinner brought more than 200 guests together for a sold-out evening in honour of Alexandre. More than $10,000 was raised to support education and the Foundation’s doctoral scholarship program.
It was the beginning of a tradition of gathering in Alexandre’s name and turning generosity into opportunities for young scientists.
2019 — BUILDING MOMENTUM
The second benefit dinner was once again sold out and raised more than $10,000 in support of the Foundation’s doctoral scholarship program.
The growing response from the community showed that Alexandre’s legacy could continue to bring people together around a shared purpose.
2024 — A NEW CHAPTER
The Recognition Gala marked a new chapter in the Foundation’s tradition of gathering in honor of Alexandre.
The 2024 Gala raised $18,000 and brought together guests, artists, volunteers, board members and supporters for an evening of gratitude and celebration.
Following the Gala, a generous $5,000 contribution from Brandon LeBlanc, President of EXPERT Security, made it possible to establish a second doctoral scholarship for the following year.
2025 — HONORING ALEXANDRE THROUGH ACTION
The 2025 Recognition Gala brought together donors, partners, volunteers, board members and members of the community for an evening of gratitude, recognition and inspiration.
Nicole Gautreau Parks reminded guests that the Foundation was created in honor of Alexandre and that his courage, generosity and love of life continue to guide its work.
The evening also gave a voice to the next generation. Jérémie Doiron, recipient of the 2025–2026 Alexandre-Parks Doctoral Scholarship, spoke about the impact of the Foundation’s support on research and the development of future scientists.
RECOGNITION GALA 2025
A Night of Gratitude, Emotion, and Inspiration
Grande-Digue, November 8, 2025 — The Alexandre-Parks Foundation held its second Recognition Gala at Notre Centre de Grande-Digue, bringing together donors, partners, volunteers, and board members to celebrate excellence, commitment, and generosity in support of its mission.
An Opening Filled with Warmth and Gratitude
President Nicole Gautreau Parks warmly welcomed guests, emphasizing the importance of this evening dedicated to recognition and gratitude. She also highlighted the remarkable presence of two centenarian guests, Mrs. Hectorine Landry and Mrs. Doris Cormier, whose attendance reflects a lifelong commitment to the community and the Foundation.
She reminded guests that the Foundation was created in honor of Alexandre to advance local medical research and inspire the next generation of scientists. Nicole spoke about Alexandre’s journey — his courage, humor, and generosity — as he faced a rare autoimmune disease that took his life at just 26.
Since its creation, the Foundation has awarded over $55,000 in doctoral scholarships to students at the Université de Moncton conducting research in autoimmune diseases, breast cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and inflammation.
She concluded with one of Alexandre’s reflections:
“Everyone has their destiny, and we should never take life for granted, because we never know when it will end.”
A Heartfelt Tribute of Love and Hope
Cecil Parks, Alexandre’s father, shared a touching and heartfelt message:
“Tonight, we gather to celebrate the Foundation’s achievements, the progress made in medical research, and the joy of being together.”
He fondly described Alexandre’s spirit:
“He loved seeing others happy, laughing, and sharing joy. If he were here tonight, he would say, ‘Enjoy your meal and celebrate life.’”
Cecil also thanked the Foundation’s volunteers for their commitment and kindness:
“Your presence and generosity make everything the Foundation accomplishes possible. Where people gather in honor of a loved one, that person’s spirit is among us.”
He concluded:
“Your compassion and generosity honor Alexandre’s spirit — a young man who believed, even through pain, that life is as good as you want it to be.”
The Voice of the Next Generation
Jérémie Doiron, recipient of the 2025–2026 Alexandre-Parks Doctoral Scholarship, shared how the Foundation’s support impacts research and training:
“Alexandre worked on his projects with remarkable passion and enthusiasm. In research labs, that kind of energy is what makes great scientists. He truly was one.”
He emphasized the value of the scholarship:
“It supports not only students, but also their research teams and projects focused on cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. Every donation to the Foundation creates a ripple effect — strengthening science and the development of future researchers.”
2025 Gala Honourees
The Gala recognized ten individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions:
- Volunteers: Claire Baudouin; André Boulard (2nd consecutive year); Lucille Gautreau (2nd consecutive year); Johanne and Guy Léger; Cécile Lirette
- Dedication: Andrew Boudreau – Baker Tilly (2nd consecutive year); Rose Després
- Event Contribution: Canadian Tire Shediac — Kim Laflamme and Jonathan Plante; Sécurité EXPERT Security — Brandon LeBlanc
- Philanthropic Impact of the Year: Sécurité EXPERT Security — Brandon LeBlanc
A Night of Unity and Hope
The evening concluded in an atmosphere of inspiration and gratitude.
Nicole Gautreau Parks closed with heartfelt words:
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your presence and support. Together, we keep Alexandre’s spirit alive and inspire the generations to come.”
Thank you to our generous 2025 sponsors:
Fondation John Lyons / Coop IGA de Shediac, UNI, Security Expert, and Canadian Tire Shediac (Kim Laflamme & Jonathan Plante).
RECOGNITION GALA 2024
Thank You!
On February 3, 2024, the Alexandre-Parks Foundation Recognition Gala was a resounding success, and we extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event!
Congratulations to all the honorees!
Ours heartfelt thank you to all attendees, to the artists who generously donated their artwork, the organizing committee, and Notre Centre Grande-Digue for the outstanding banquet. Special appreciation goes to our board of directors and all the volunteers for their phenomenal collaboration. With your assistance, the evening was a remarkable success!
With the final tally, the Alexandre-Parks Foundation is thrilled to announce that a total of $18,000 was raised, thanks to your generosity. This exceptional accomplishment sets the stage for a significant impact of our future projects.
Thank you to each and every one of you for helping to create an unforgettable Gala and for your continued dedication to the mission of the Alexandre-Parks Foundation.
Following the 2024 Recognition Gala, we are pleased to announce the generous contribution of $5,000.00 from Mr. Brandon LeBlanc, President of Expert Security Sécurité, that was announced during the event. This donation will establish a second doctoral scholarship for the upcoming year, thereby supporting local young scientists and advancing medical research.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. LeBlanc for his ongoing support.
2019 CHARITY BENEFIT DINNER
The Alexandre-Parks Foundation held its second benefit dinner on August 25, 2019, once again achieving a sold-out event. The resounding success of this evening mirrored the foundation’s unwavering commitment to its mission of advancing education through its PhD scholarship program. With over $10,000 raised during the event, attendees reaffirmed their dedication to spreading a message of hope for those who need it most. The event served as a testament to the enduring legacy of Alexandre Parks and the power of collective action in making a positive impact on education and the lives of countless individuals.
2018 CHARITY BENEFIT DINNER
The inaugural benefit dinner hosted by the Alexandre-Parks Foundation on August 26, 2018, proved to be an overwhelming success, surpassing all expectations by raising an impressive sum of over $10,000. This heartwarming evening was a poignant tribute to the memory of Alexandre Parks, drawing in more than 200 guests to a sold-out event. Amidst an atmosphere filled with camaraderie and goodwill, attendees came together to celebrate Alexandre’s legacy and contribute to a noble cause, leaving behind cherished memories that would forever resonate within the hearts of those who attended. It was an evening of unity, philanthropy, and shared purpose, setting a remarkable precedent for future endeavors of the foundation.