Athlete Speakers Books NHL Legend Adam Graves as Keynote Speaker for CURE Community Alliance’s Inaugural Winter Gala

Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion and Smilezone Foundation Co-Founder to Headline Inaugural Event Supporting Rural Cancer Education

At Athlete Speakers, every partnership brings unique challenges and opportunities. Our mission is to connect audiences with sports heroes whose fame is matched by a message that inspires, unites, and champions causes important to our clients.

CURE Community Alliance (CCA) is a leading charitable organization and the most widely read consumer resource for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in the U.S. Their mission is to empower individuals facing cancer before, during, and after treatment by addressing vital topics like nutrition, exercise, and survivorship alongside clinical care.

When CURE Media Group contacted us, they sought not just a celebrated athlete but a first-class individual whose achievements would truly resonate with their audience. CURE collaborates with patients, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and community groups to design educational programs that empower those battling cancer.

That’s why we secured Adam Graves, philanthropist, humanitarian, former NHL left winger, and two-time Stanley Cup champion, to deliver the keynote at the inaugural Comfort & CURE Winter Gala on Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City.

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Drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 1986, Graves enjoyed a 16-season NHL career (1987–2003) with the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and San Jose Sharks. He won the Stanley Cup with Edmonton in 1990 and again with the Rangers in 1994, setting a franchise record with 52 goals and earning a reputation for his hard-working, physical style.

In 1994, Graves received the NHL’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy for exemplary leadership and humanitarian contributions, and later earned the NHL Foundation Player Award for his philanthropy. The Rangers ultimately retired his No. 9 jersey in his honor.

Off the ice, Graves co-founded the Smilezone Foundation in 2012, creating comforting spaces for children in Canadian hospitals. He continues to serve the Rangers in development and community roles and is a sought-after speaker on leadership, perseverance, and giving back.

Graves has demonstrated throughout his career that making a difference extends far beyond the game,” said Mike Hennessy Jr., chairman and CEO of MJH Life Sciences®. “We are proud to have him join us for our inaugural Comfort & CURE Winter Gala as we work to expand the reach of cancer education through Rural Oncology Patient Education (ROPE), helping more patients, survivors and caregivers in rural Montana access the trusted information and expert perspectives they need.

The black-tie gala will support Rural Oncology Patient Education (ROPE), an initiative developed with Cancer Support Community Montana and Central Montana Medical Center to make vital cancer education accessible. The evening will feature a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, and a program highlighting CURE’s mission and patient stories.

For important events and causes like this, nothing can be left to chance. Securing elite speaker talent inspires giving, leaves a lasting impression, and keeps your audience eager for next year’s event.

Ready to inspire your audience with stories of community and sports success from legends like Adam Graves? Inviting accomplished keynote speakers brings instant credibility and prestige to your event, laying the foundation for impactful philanthropic efforts. Let our booking team help you make your next event unforgettable. Contact Athlete Speakers or fill out our Booking Request Form to secure top talent today.