The Crescent Heights High School community came together in an extraordinary way for the 2026 Bike‑a‑Thon, raising an incredible $61,852 in support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation through the Kids Helping Kids Fundraiser. This marks a significant increase from last year’s impressive total of nearly $40,000, demonstrating the growing impact of this annual event and the power of student leadership, community partnership, and service.
Funds raised through the Bike‑a‑Thon will go directly toward the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation’s highest priority needs, helping ensure the best possible care for children and families across Alberta.
This large‑scale initiative was entirely planned, organized, and executed by Crescent Heights Leadership 25 and 35 students, who gained invaluable real‑world experience in project management, fundraising, teamwork, and community engagement. Under the guidance of their teacher, Jaclyn Kennedy, and with the support of parent volunteer Linden Achen, students managed every stage of the event—from sponsorship outreach to on‑site logistics—turning a bold vision into a hugely successful reality.
The day began with the gym transformed into a high‑energy cycling arena, featuring 30 teams of 10 participants riding stationary bikes throughout the day. A memorable opening moment saw a Shriners bagpiper, Esam Wshah, pipe in team captains—representing the top fundraising teams—as they competed for prizes including Calgary Stampede passes and gift cards.
Community support played a major role in the day’s success. The Calgary Stampede made a special appearance, bringing the beloved Batter Boys to serve a pancake breakfast, with food prepared by Holly Grill. Generous food donations and Co‑op, Safeway, and Superstore gift cards helped fuel participants and volunteers from start to finish.
In addition to continuous cycling, students organized interactive challenges that kept energy high and fundraising strong. Highlights included an endurance challenge, with prizes such as AirPods and a Ninja Creami, along with Kahoot trivia, live musical performances by student Malcolm Perez with MP3 Beats and teacher Mr. Hartley, and an on‑site fundraiser of Jail and Bail that ultimately pushed the total raised to the $60,000 mark.
The event concluded with closing ceremonies that erupted into a joyful, spontaneous celebration as nearly 300 participants danced together to Just Dance—a powerful moment of togetherness, joy, and shared purpose.
The 2026 Crescent Heights Bike‑a‑Thon stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when students lead with heart, creativity, and commitment. Beyond fundraising, the event fostered community, connection, love, and service, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Community Donors and Supporters
The Crescent Heights community extends deep gratitude to the many local businesses and organizations that contributed to the success of the Bike‑a‑Thon:
- Aleppo Shawarma
- Bolder Climbing Community – 20 drop‑in passes with rentals
- Boogie Burger – two $20 gift cards and a branded T‑shirt
- Calaway Park – four passes
- Calgary Stampede – two Grandstand passes and pancake breakfast with The Batter Boys
- Calgary Surge – two sets of 2 tickets, mascot visit, and hats
- Fenil Patel at Quesada Burritos & Tacos Centre Street – 300 veggie burritos
- Flying Squirrel North – two, one‑hour passes
- Heritage Park – eight park passes
- Magic 360 Photo Booth – free rental of 360 booth
- Pad Thai Restaurant – thirty $25 gift cards ($750 value)
- Starlite Rental – lighting donation
- The Basics – $100 gift card
- Holly Grill – breakfast preparation
- Freshslice – 10 pizzas
- Domino’s – 10 pizzas
- Little Caesars (Northmount Village) – 15 pizzas
- Boston Pizza North Hill –5 large pizzas gift cards and 20 $10 Gift Cards
- Our House – gift cards
- 4 Spot – gift cards
- Safeway Beacon Hill – large food donation
- Superstore Thorncliffe – gift card
- Co‑op Head Office – gift cards
Crescent Heights High School is proud of its students and grateful to the community for helping make the 2026 Bike‑a‑Thon a record‑breaking success that truly made a difference.