7pm - 9pm
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Abbotsford Ag-Rec Centre
32470 Haida Dr
Abbotsford, BC V2T 5A6
Christina Bennett was going to be aborted, but a miraculous encounter saved her life moments before the scheduled termination. Upon discovering this news in college she committed her life to fighting for the ending of abortion.
After graduating college with a degree in Business Communications, she moved to Washington D.C. to serve as a pro-life prayer missionary at the Justice House of Prayer and later in Atlanta as a missionary at the International House of Prayer, Atlanta.
Christina is a writer whose work has been featured in Live Action News, Life News, Charisma, and LifeSite News among other publications. Her story is featured in the film, Pro-Life Feminist, Still on that Journey, and Hear from Heaven. She has had the honour of testifying for the pro-life cause in two congressional hearings. Christina served four years as a Client Services Manager at a CT pregnancy centre and currently works as a news correspondent for Live Action.
She is a devoted wife, mother and Christian Minister.
Jared has been the Executive Director of Advokate for 14 years. Through his visionary leadership, he has grown Advokate to be the largest organization of its kind in Canada. In fact, he has overseen the creation of three Hope for Women Pregnancy Centres across the province, as well as the creation of our Sexual Health and Integrity Education program. Prior to coming to Advokate, Jared worked in pastoral ministry for eight years and he currently serves as a School District 34 Board of Education Trustee. God’s calling in his life is to help reinvent the life-affirming movement to be more effective, relevant, and compassionate. Jared lives in Abbotsford with his wife, Shannon, and four children.
Jarred has been a faithful supporter of Advokate and active volunteer since 2012, serving at different events over the years. Jarred has worked in the automotive industry for the last 17 years. He has a passion for customer service, creating lasting relationships with both customers and fellow colleagues. His love for the community he lives in fueled his passion for becoming a paid-on call firefighter and first responder since 2017. Jarred was born in Vancouver and has lived in the lower mainland most of his life. He and his wife Merida, married in 2011, have two beautiful children and currently reside in Chilliwack. His passion for advocating and protecting life in all its stages comes from his relationship with God.
Mr. Bentall worked for 20 years in his family’s real estate and construction businesses. During his time as President and CEO of Dominion Construction, the business doubled in size to just under $300 million in sales. During his career in real estate, David played a leading role in several landmark projects across Canada and played a leading role in the successful domestic bid for the Olympics, ultimately resulting in Vancouver hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics.
After the family business was sold, David founded Next Step Advisors, which is now a pre-eminent professional advising firm for family-owned businesses. The company helps family enterprises navigate the uncertainty that often accompanies intergenerational transitions. The firm also supports families by providing advice, education, mentoring and facilitation services.
David is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia and is a graduate of UBC’s Faculty of Commerce and Harvard’s Business School.
His award-winning book, The Company You Keep, explores the keys to building lasting friendships. His second book, Leaving a Legacy, explains how to successfully navigate family business succession. His most recent book, Dear Younger Me, offers wisdom for all aspiring leaders and family enterprise successors.
David is a four-time Canadian National Water Ski Champion. In 2013, in his age group, he was ranked the number one male slalom skier in the world. He and his wife Alison have been married for 45 years. They have four children and nine grandchildren.
From blueprints to breakthroughs: Come hear how we’re engineering the path to explosive growth.
TABLE SALES OPEN JUNE 2025.
Table Sponsors play a big role in helping us cover the costs of putting on the gala, allowing more of the donations given on the night of to go directly to the women, children, and families we support. Thank you for going the extra mile to make this gala a success.
All table purchases are tax deductible, minus the fair market value of the 10 meals, per CRA guidelines. In order to receive a tax receipt, your full name and mailing address are required.
October 16, 2025 // 7PM - 9PM
General Seating is FREE, but RSVP is required. Please note that if you wish to sit at the same table as other friends/family in the General Seating section, you may need to arrive early in order to save spots.
Dinner will be served buffet style. If you or your guests require any dietary specific meals such as gluten-free or vegetarian, please email info@advokate.ca or call 604-852-4623 x26
6:00pm Pre-Dinner Reception for Sponsors
6:15pm Doors open for main event
7:00pm Main event begins, dinner buffet open
9:00pm Main event concludes
Unable to join us in person? You can join us virtually as we’ll be live-streaming the gala the night of! Livestream will begin at 7:40pm on October 16. Livestream link coming soon.
Our mission is to create educated communities where families thrive, and babies’ lives are valued and welcomed. We do this by bringing HOPE in action to vulnerable women and families facing unplanned pregnancy, offering them compassionate, tangible support that empowers them to thrive.
This gala is an opportunity to act on our mission, to promote and celebrate LIFE, together.
Stay up to date on all Gala News and Updates through our e-newsletter.
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