June 9, 2026 · Breslin Center, East Lansing, Michigan
The Night That Changes Everything
An evening of inspiration, community, and life-saving purpose. Featuring keynote speakers Jiri Fischer and Dr. Tony Colucci — a Detroit Red Wings defenseman and the team physician who saved his life.
Tickets are limited. Seats are filling fast.
Tuesday, June 9
Breslin Center
East Lansing, Michigan
Doors open at 5:30 PM ·
Program begins at 6:30 PM
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.)
Meet This Year's 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 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.
Jiri Fischer
Dr. Tony Colucci served as team physician for the Detroit Red Wings and 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.
Dr. Tony Colucci
Secure Your Seat for This Historic Evening
An Evening With Purpose
The Champions of the Heart Annual Gala is more than a fundraiser. It's a gathering of the people who believe that a trained bystander can mean the difference between life and death — and who are willing to do something about it.
Every year, 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals in the United States. AEDs are used in only 11% of those cases. Champions of the Heart was built to change those numbers — through free CPR training, strategic AED placement, and community education.
The gala is how that work gets funded. Every ticket purchased, every auction bid, every dollar raised on June 9 goes directly to CPR training sessions and AED placements across Michigan.
Connect with fellow supporters, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and champions of heart health in Michigan.
Community
Hear directly about the lives your support is changing — and how the funds raised on June 9 will be put to work.
Mission Impact
Hosted at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University — a landmark venue with a proud legacy in the East Lansing community.
Iconic Venue
Bid on a curated collection of unique items and experiences. All proceeds fund CPR training and AED placements in Michigan.
Silent Auction
An elegant evening of dining and conversation with the Champions of the Heart community.
Dinner & Drinks
A firsthand account from Jiri Fischer and Dr. Tony Colucci — the night Fischer's heart stopped on national television, and the recovery that followed.
Keynote Address
Why This Night Matters
Champions of the Heart was founded by Mike Garland — longtime Michigan State basketball assistant coach and cardiac arrest survivor — with a simple goal: get more hands on hearts.
Since launching, COH has:
1800+
300 K+
FREE
People trained in hands-only CPR
Raised for AED placements & training
CPR training for schools, businesses & community orgs
The gala on June 9 is what makes this work possible. Come be part of it.
Seats are limited. Every ticket sold puts resources directly into CPR training and AED placement across Michigan.
What's included with your ticket:
• Dinner and drinks at the Breslin Center
• Keynote address from Jiri Fischer & Dr. Tony Colucci
• Access to the silent auction
• An evening with the Champions of the Heart community
Join Us June 9
$200
per person
General admission
patron Tickets
$1000
per couple
vip tickets
includes recognition, premium seating and exclusive VIP reception from 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Silent Auction
The 2026 Champions of the Heart Gala features a curated silent auction — a collection of unique items and one-of-a-kind experiences, available exclusively to gala attendees.
Bidding opens at the start of the evening and closes before the end of the program. All proceeds go directly to CPR training and AED placements across Michigan
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
The Champions of the Heart Annual Gala is made possible by the generous support of organizations that share our commitment to cardiac health, community preparedness, and saving lives.
Presenting Sponsor
