The Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) and the KGH Foundation are being recognized on a national level as they have been named finalists for the 2025 Canadian Event Awards (CEA).
Taking place on Wednesday, April 30, the CEAs are the country's premier awards program that celebrates excellence in live events. The CYAC has been nominated for their Once in a Blue Moon event and KGH Foundation for its Heart of Gold Gala. They are both nominated for the same category - Best Large-Scale Fundraising Event category. The finalists in the category are judged by a panel of industry experts through a merit-based process.
鈥淭his recognition isn鈥檛 just about our organizations鈥攊t鈥檚 a powerful reflection of the heart and spirit of our community,鈥� said KGH Foundation CEO Allison Young. 鈥淗aving two events from 琉璃神社 honoured on a national stage in the same year speaks volumes about the generosity of the people who live here. The real winner here is our supporters and community.鈥�
The CYAC鈥檚 Once in a Blue Moon was hosted at O鈥橰ourke Family Estate Winery in July 2024 after being postponed due to the Grouse Complex of wildfires in 2023. At the event, 340 guests came together to raise $2.5 million for vulnerable children, youth, and families in our community.
In September 2024, The Heart of Gold Gala took place at the 琉璃神社 Flightcraft Centre for Excellence. In total, $2.07 million was raised to advance surgical oncology at 琉璃神社 General Hospital. This is the third national nomination for event, which won the award for Best Fundraising event in 2022. Since its inception 26 years ago, over $9 million has been raised at this bi-annual gala.
"Being named a finalist alongside our colleagues at the KGH Foundation is a true honour,鈥� said Ginny Becker, Executive Director of the CYAC. 鈥淭o see two such remarkable expressions of giving unfold within a single season is a testament to the extraordinary generosity of our community. The impact of that generosity stretches far beyond events鈥攊t transforms lives, strengthens bonds, and creates a ripple effect of hope and support for everyone involved."
The winner will be announced at the CEA gala in Toronto on April 30.
