Alberta Business Leaders Raise More Than $387,000 for STARS With CEO Rescue in the Rockies Fundraiser

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Sept. 23, 2016) - The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) has announced that the fifth edition of CEO Rescue in the Rockies fundraiser has been one of their biggest years yet, raising more than $387,000. Since it started in 2011, the fundraiser has seen the Alberta community come together and raise close to $3.8 million for STARS.

This morning, STARS partnered with influential Calgary and Edmonton business leaders for a day they won't soon forget. The five participants were picked up from the Calgary Peace Bridge helipad and dropped them off at a remote mountain location in Kananaskis Country. While stranded in the deserted location, the CEOs faced a series of challenges, including a readiness, survival and STARS medical challenge. Using only their cell phones to collect donations, the CEOs reached out to colleagues, friends and fellow philanthropists to raise $100,000 (per company) before they were "rescued" by a STARS air ambulance.

"Today's CEO Rescue in the Rockies fundraiser was an amazing success and we are so appreciative of the generous donations raised," said Andrea Robertson, president and CEO of STARS. "Year after year, we are blown away by how enthusiastic the CEOs are to swap their business attire for a flight suit and tackle the fundraising goal. Thank you for helping STARS be there for the next patient that needs us."

This year's Alberta business leaders whose fundraising and wilderness prowess were both put to the test included Janet Riopel, president and CEO, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce; Grant Beck, president and CEO, Graham Construction; Marcos Lopez, president and CEO, Solium Capital; and Allison Grafton and Grainger Nimmo, Co-Owners, Rockwood Homes.

Funds raised through CEO Rescue in the Rockies will help STARS provide time, hope and life-saving transport to critically ill and injured patients. To learn more about CEO Rescue in the Rockies for STARS or to nominate a CEO for next year's challenge, visit support.stars.ca/ceorescue2016.

About STARS:

Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) provides specialized emergency medical care and transportation for critically ill and injured patients. STARS physicians, nurses, paramedics and pilots work with a team of dedicated support staff and community partners to save lives. STARS has bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg.