Foundation Gala A Resoundng Success – Yellowknife Community Foundation

12 February 2014

The Yellowknife Community Foundation is thrilled as its 2014 Forever in our Hearts Gala was a resounding success. This year’s gala, with its ‘Midnight at the Oasis’ theme, was held February 8 in Yellowknife.

“Our fifth gala has shown us once again that Yellowknife is a generous and caring community, evidenced by the result of our annual Valentine’s fundraiser. Thanks to all involved, the event raised well over $41,000 ensuring the continued support of many individuals and community organizations through scholarships and grants,” said Yellowknife Community Foundation President Charles Dent.

The event was attended by over 200 people who dined, danced, and were entertained by local band The Committed. Throughout the evening, attendees placed bids on over 50 items donated for silent and live auctions, and participated in the Diavik diamond raffle.

“Diavik is extremely pleased with our partnership with the Foundation. We support the Foundation and its annual gala because we, like the Foundation, have a strong desire to improve the quality of life in the North,” said Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. President Marc Cameron.

At this year’s event, Diavik announced it has added $35,000 to the Diavik Community Scholarship Fund. This fund, one of several managed by the Foundation, was created last year with initial funding of $25,000. For the gala, Diavik, in partnership with local firm Crossworks Manufacturing, donated a 1.13 carat Diavik diamond valued at $16,000.

Long-time northerner and Foundation supporter Bill Graham was this year’s diamond winner. “While it is great to win, I’m happy that the proceeds from the gala will go to support the Foundation, as its work benefits the community,” Bill, a past member of the Foundation’s board of directors, said.

“We greatly appreciate the continuing support of our title sponsors, Diavik Diamond Mine, First Air, and the Explorer Hotel, and the many other community-minded businesses and individuals who support the Gala every year,” said Yellowknife Community Foundation Gala Co-chair Tom Hall. “Diavik believed in the Gala right from the beginning, and has contributed to its success every year through its financial contributions, its partnership with Crossworks Manufacturing to provide the spectacular diamonds for the diamond draw, and through its employees who donate their time by volunteering at the Gala,” he added.

“To host an event this unique takes a great deal of planning and many dedicated people. The gala committee worked hard for months to organize the event, and a host of additional volunteers helped behind the scenes to provide an unforgettable evening of fine dining, entertainment, fun and excitement in a most elegant setting.”

In existence since 1993, the Yellowknife Community Foundation is the leading philanthropic organization in Yellowknife. A registered charity, the Foundation was formed in 1993 to provide residents (and former residents) with a means of supporting projects in our community for the enduring future. The Foundation is not singularly dedicated to any specific area of support. It embodies a simple concept – that people working together can make a difference. Donations are placed in a capital fund. The money, invested over time, will grow and will continue to have an impact long after the original gift is made. Donations to the Foundation are eligible deductions for income tax purposes. For more information contact Yellowknife Community Foundation President Charles Dent at (867) 445-3368.

The Diavik Diamond Mine, located 300 km. northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is a Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. (60%) and Dominion Diamond Diavik Limited Partnership (40%) unincorporated joint venture. Both companies are located in Yellowknife, Canada. DDMI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto plc of London, England, and Dominion Diamond Diavik Limited Partnership is wholly owned by Dominion Diamond Corporation of Yellowknife. For more information contact Doug Ashbury, Adviser Communications at (867) 669-6500, or visit www.diavik.ca.

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Impact Story - Skate North -...

July 29, 2026

The Yellowknife Small Grants Program offers micro-grants of up to $1,000 for individual residents of Yellowknife, Ndilǫ, and Dettah to bring the community together and help make it better. The first ever batch of grants was awarded in Fall 2025 to eight community members, including Forrest Doctor for his ongoing project, Skate North.

The initiative aims to make skateboarding more accessible to youth by providing safe skate spaces, equipment, and mentorship.

” I want to encourage youth to commit to their passions, take initiative, and create positive change. For me, that means creating a safe space for learners, something I didn’t have when I first started. This project is about keeping skateboarding alive in the NWT and giving our youth the support and opportunities they deserve.” – excerpt from Forrest’s proposal

Forrest used the grant to purchase helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to give away to up-and-coming skaters. Through free prize draws, in-person outreach, and open calls on social media, Forrest was able to get gear directly into the hands of youth who need it the most.

Forrest Doctor giving away gear at the miniramp in Ndilǫ. The ramp was constructed in Spring 2026 as part of a Skate North wordworking workshop, delivered in partnership with the YKDFN Dechı̨ta Nàowo Training Center.

Matt Wolff from Rumor Boardshop in Edmonton, AB.
The skate shop is an ardent supporter and partner to the Skate North project.

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The results of this direct access model were both immediate and unexpected. Two things stand out especially. First, Forrest noticed that new skaters were able to instantly start with confidence. Having proper safety gear in place meant they were free to try things as many times as they wanted. That ability to iterate safely creates a level of early learning and progression that is invaluable.

Second, the degree of engagement from youth, families, and the larger community was uplifting. Skate North has now grown through additional volunteers, sponsors, and partners, including local schools. It shows that there is a strong demand for skateboarding and action sports overall. Now an olympic sport, the old cultural stigmas attached to skating have faded away. All that remains is a desire to get out there and rip.

Forrest partnered with Rumor Boardshop in Edmonton, AB to acquire the gear at a discounted rate. Shop rep Matt Wolff had this to say on the impact of skating and initiatives like Skate North:

“Especially in smaller communities, skateboarding can be a huge outlet for youth, not only physically, but to express themselves artistically as well. It also brings a real sense of community for people. I grew up in a small town in the middle of Alberta, and the people I skateboarded with I still have friendships with to this day.”

We can’t wait to see a new generation of skaters come up and grow the local scene in the North. Keep rolling.