The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has long been celebrated for events driven by purpose and community spirit, but the Ice Crystal Gala: Rhinestone Rodeo raised the bar even higher. Held at the RBC Convention Centre, the gala transformed into a dazzling western fantasy, a lively, family-oriented experience that earned the event a 2025 Canadian Event Award for Best Small-Scale Fundraising Event (Tie).
Guests arrived in boots, rhinestones, denim jackets, and bright pink hats, stepping into an atmosphere built entirely around connection. The Foundation didn’t rely on rented décor; they designed custom pieces, shimmering stars, stylized cacti, colourful sets, and themed backdrops, creating a space that felt original, immersive, and unmistakably theirs. Kids rode motorized ponies, slid down giant inflatables, met characters, crafted, and explored; parents enjoyed a well-paced program, dinner, and an energetic auction before everyone spilled onto the dance floor together.
And while the night was designed for joy, it delivered remarkable impact:
- $1.5 million raised through ticket sales, auctions, merchandise, sponsorships, the 50/50, and Fund the Need.
- 50% increase in table sponsorships, signalling deep community confidence.
- Four new sponsors added to the Foundation’s donor network.
- 100% of surveyed attendees said they would recommend the event.
One of the most powerful moments of the night occurred when Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew presented a $25 million provincial funding cheque, emphasizing how vital this event has become to the province’s vision for children’s health care.
Behind the scenes, the Foundation’s staff and volunteers carried out their tasks precisely, assigning roles based on strengths, ensuring accessibility for volunteers with medical or dietary needs, supporting each station from the fun house to registration, and conducting a comprehensive debrief after the event. That operational care directly enhanced the guest experience: warm, efficient, welcoming, and mission-driven.
The Rhinestone Rodeo fostered shared memories for families while expanding the hospital’s influence, donor network, and long-term impact.
It’s everything a modern fundraising event should be: creative, community-centred, financially powerful, and unforgettable. A well-earned win for a team that continues to prove that when you build events with heart, the entire province shows up.
To learn more about the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, visit their website and social media pages.
