AALP Class 21 (above), gained much needed financial clout after the 2026 AALP Dream Gala raised over $100,000 to support the initiative.
The 2026 Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) Dream Gala raised more than $110,000 to support leadership development within Ontario’s agri-food sector, according to the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI).
Held at The GrandWay Events Centre in Elora, the biennial fundraising event was organized by participants and recent graduates of AALP. This year’s gala, themed A Night at the Races, featured live and silent auctions, raffle draws, and horse racing entertainment.
The funds will help offset the costs of AALP programming, including the program’s international study tour, which gives participants an opportunity to learn about agriculture beyond Canada and build relationships with agricultural leaders from around the world. The fundraising proceeds will also support the ongoing leadership journey of the current Class 21 participants.
“On behalf of the 2026 AALP Dream Gala Committee, I would like to thank our sponsors, donors and guests for their generous support of this year’s Gala. Your contribution and presence helped make the gala a success, and we were delighted to receive such positive feedback from our attendees. The energy and excitement in the room as we came together to celebrate agricultural leadership was truly special,” stated Tyler Denham, Chair of the 2026 AALP Dream Gala and Grain Merchandising Manager at Great Lakes Grain. “I’d also like to thank my fellow Class 20 members and the participants of Class 21, who contributed a tremendous amount of work over the past months to organize and deliver this year’s event.”
AALP was established in 1984 through a partnership involving the University of Guelph, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Foundation for Rural Living. Since 2010, the program has been delivered by ROI and is designed to help participants broaden their perspectives and strengthen their leadership capabilities within the agri-food industry.
“AALP strengthens the skills and networks of leaders in the agriculture and food sector, helping them to lead positive change and make a difference in Ontario and beyond,” said Emily Morrison, Chair of the ROI Board and AALP Class 16 alumna. “It was inspiring to see the support and commitment of the AALP community, who came together to champion the industry we all love and the leaders who are making a difference.”
According to ROI, more than 540 people have graduated from the program since its inception, with alumni contributing to agriculture, food and rural communities across Ontario and beyond.
“My deep gratitude to our generous 2026 AALP Dream Gala sponsors and donors. The success of the gala wouldn’t have been possible without their support,” noted Peggy Brekveld, Leadership Programs Director at ROI and AALP Class 21 alumna. “The Dream Gala was an amazing night of networking, fun, games and fundraising. The funds received will benefit AALP programming in so many ways. I am amazed and awed by the generosity and continued support of AALP by alumni and supporters. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
The ROI is a charitable organization dedicated to developing leaders, informing decision-makers and connecting communities. The organization delivers the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP), which is celebrating its 42nd year, as well as the Rural Change Maker youth leadership program. ROI also provides rural data research, demographic analysis and community planning tools to support rural communities across Ontario.
For more information, visit www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca.