Event Details
Event Details
Champions of the Heart 3rd Annual Fundraising Gala
Tuesday, June 9th from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Breslin Center
Join Us for an Evening of Inspiration and Impact
The Champions of the Heart Foundation is honored to present its Third Annual Champions Gala, proudly presented by Corewell Health, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the iconic Breslin Center beginning at 5:30 p.m.
This premier evening will bring celebration centered on awareness, education, and lifesaving action. The evening will feature keynote speakers Jiří Fischer, former defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings and Dr. Tony Colucci, head team physician for the Detroit Red Wings— whose extraordinary story of survival and intervention continues to inspire audiences nationwide. Special guest appearances will include Michigan State Basketball players Coen Carr and Jeremy Fears Jr., with Ann Emmerich, WILX-TV10 News anchor.
Guests will enjoy an elegant cocktail reception, gourmet dinner experience, and both live and silent auctions as part of this signature fundraising event.
Proceeds from the evening directly support the Champions of the Heart mission to expand access to CPR education, provide hands-only CPR training resources and manikins, and fund the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout communities to help save lives during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.
The foundation was established by former Michigan State Spartans men's basketball assistant basketball coach Mike Garland, whose life was saved after suffering sudden cardiac arrest in 2022. Thanks to the swift actions of two Good Samaritans who stopped to perform CPR, Garland survived — inspiring a mission dedicated to ensuring more individuals are equipped to recognize and respond effectively in lifesaving moments.
Champions of the Heart Foundation remains committed to building a future where every person has the knowledge, confidence, and tools to respond when every second matters.
TICKETS
Patron Tickets: $200 / pp
(General Admission)
VIP Tickets: $1,000 / couple
(includes recognition, premium seating and exclusive VIP reception from 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
CLICK HERE TO SEE SPONSORSHIP GUIDE
CLICK HERE TO DONATE SILENT AUCTION ITEMS
EVENT ITINERARY
5:30 p.m. Registration, Cocktails & Silent Auction
6:30 p.m. Welcome Remarks, Dinner & Honorary Recognition
7:00 p.m. Keynote Address
7:20 p.m. Mission Moment & Live Auction
8:30 p.m. Conclusion
Meet the Speakers
Meet the Speakers
Opening Remarks
Tom Izzo
Tom Izzo, Head Men's Basketball Coach, Michigan State University, is one of the most celebrated coaches in college basketball history. Enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 Michigan State University Athletics, Izzo has spent more than three decades building the Spartan program into a national powerhouse — winning the 2000 NCAA National Championship, earning eight Final Four appearances, and leading Michigan State to 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, the longest active streak in the nation.
Keynote Speakers
On November 21, 2005, Jiri Fischer, a Red Wings Defenseman, went into cardiac arrest while on the bench during a game against the Nashville Predators. He was unconscious for six minutes until Dr. Tony Colucci, Red Wings physician, and arena medical deployed CPR and an AED to save his life. Fischer was resuscitated then transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital. He was released several days later. The game during which Fischer collapsed was postponed, making it the first time in NHL history that a game was rescheduled due to a player’s injury. The duo will make the keynote address at this year’s Champions Gala on June 9 at the Breslin Center. They will give a first-hand account of Fischer’s cardiac arrest event, recovery and how life has evolved since that fateful incident on the ice.
Jiri Fischer
Jiri Fischer played six seasons as a defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings before his cardiac arrest in November 2005. Following his recovery, he transitioned to a front office role with the organization, where he has served for nearly two decades. He is a survivor, a leader, and a living testament to the power of bystander CPR and rapid AED deployment.
Dr. Tony Colucci
Dr. Tony Colucci serves as the head team physician for the Detroit Red Wings and the cochair for the Medical Standards Committee for the NHL.
Dr. Colucci was the first physician to reach Jiri Fischer on the bench on November 21, 2005. His quick response — CPR and rapid AED deployment — is the reason Fischer is alive today. Dr. Colucci will share a physician's perspective on cardiac arrest response, and what it means to be prepared in the moment when it matters most.
Mission Moment
Mission Moment
Mission Moment
Champions of the Heart Foundation is committed to creating a world where every person is empowered to respond effectively in a cardiac emergency. Our vision is to ensure that no life is lost due to lack of knowledge or access to critical lifesaving solutions. With your sponsorship and support of The Champions Gala, you will help us in realizing our vision of ensuring that members of the community have easy access to CPR training and that there are ample AEDs in all public places to assist in the event of an unexpected cardiac emergency. Last year, more than 300 gala guests helped raise more than $80,000 to purchase life-saving AEDs and provide CPR training in the community.
Together we can ensure there are “More Hands on Hearts!” Together we can save lives!
About the Champions of the Heart
At Champions of the Heart, our mission is to empower communities to save the lives of people experiencing cardiac arrest. We focus on raising awareness about heart health, promoting CPR training, and providing access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). By equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to act confidently in cardiac emergencies, we aim to create a world where everyone can be a Champion of the Heart.
To learn more visit www.thechampionsoftheheart.org
For sponsorship purchase & questions, please contact:
Ashlee Willis at (517) 242-7434
Email: COHGala@gmail.com
Champions of the Heart is a 501 (c)3 charitable organization.
Federal Tax I.D. number 92-3389279
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Heart of Gold Sponsor
Paddle Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Event Managing Partner
Grateful Heart Sponsor
Program Booklet Sponsor
Lifesaver Sponsor
