7pm - 9pm
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Abbotsford Ag-Rec Centre
32470 Haida Dr
Abbotsford, BC V2T 5A6
Denisha Workizer is a passionate advocate for life and a powerful voice for hope and healing. As an abortion survivor who discovered as an adult that she survived both her mother’s chemical and D&C abortion attempts, Denisha offers a transparent and deeply personal perspective that humanizes the unborn and inspires audiences to champion the cause of life.
For over a decade, she has inspired audiences with messages of hope, healing, and possibility, energizing them to become passionate defenders of life.
With over 20 years of experience in corporate management, Denisha transitioned into ministry, serving as an ordained pastor and speaker. Following her heart’s calling, she founded Reclaimed Story, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women heal from painful pasts and find renewed purpose through Jesus. Denisha equips others with tools for transformation through her weekly podcast, Living the Reclaimed Life.
Mike is a mission-driven, relational leader with over 12 years of executive experience in the nonprofit sector and a 25-year background in leadership, community engagement, and development. Before joining Advokate, Mike was with ARPA Canada. During his time there, he helped launch We Need a Law, a public awareness campaign focused on building support for policies that protect pre-born children. His last three years with ARPA he served as their Executive Director. Mike has a strong sense of justice and holds tightly to his conviction that all human beings, regardless of physical or mental ability, are image bearers of our Creator and therefore have inherent worth and dignity.
Jerome works in the public sector as a policy and market analyst and serves on the boards of charities that support people in vulnerable situations. With a background in theatre and a passion for storytelling, he enjoys bringing energy and connection to every event. Jerome has previously served as an MC for corporate events, weddings, and fundraisers. A proud girl dad, he is delighted to support Advokate and its work helping girls and women find hope when facing unplanned pregnancies.
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.
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 15, 2026 // 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 x4
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 15.
