KELOWNA, BC – April 22, 2025 – Two local fundraising events have earned national recognition, being named finalists in the 2025 Canadian Event Awards (CEA)—Canada’s premier awards program celebrating excellence in live events.  

Both the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre’s (CYAC) Once in a Blue Moon™ and KGH Foundation’s Heart of Gold Gala are finalists in the highly competitive Best Large-Scale Fundraising Event category. This recognition is significant for Kelowna as it showcases the city’s culture of philanthropy rivals those on a national scale.

“This recognition isn’t just about our organizations—it’s a powerful reflection of the heart and spirit of our community,” says Allison Young, CEO of the KGH Foundation. “Having two events from Kelowna 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.”

The Canadian Event Awards honour innovation, creativity, and impact in live event production. Finalist lists represent the best-of-the-best across the country and are judged by a panel of industry experts through a rigorous, merit-based process. This dual nomination not only highlights the excellence of each event—it places a spotlight on Kelowna as a community of generosity on the national stage. It is rare and remarkable for a town the size of Kelowna to have two fundraising events nominated in the same category.

The Heart of Gold Gala, presented by the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, took place in September 2024 at the Kelowna Flightcraft Centre for Excellence. Hosted by Global BC’s Chris Gailus, this elegant event hosted 211 guests who raised $2.07 million to advance surgical oncology at Kelowna General Hospital. This marks the third national nomination for Heart of Gold, which previously took home 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.

The CYAC’s Once in a Blue Moon™ Event—championed by RBC Dominion Securities’ Rhonda Hymers—was hosted at O’Rourke Family Estate Winery in July 2024 after being postponed due to the wildfires of 2023. Featuring world-class entertainment from The Tenors and Jens Lindemann, 340 guests came together to make a collective impact of $2.5 million for vulnerable children, youth, and families in our community. The funds raised continue to empower the delivery of holistic trauma-informed services for young survivors of child abuse and neglect at the CYAC.

“Being named a finalist alongside our colleagues at the KGH Foundation is a true honour,” shares Ginny Becker, Executive Director of the CYAC. “To 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—it transforms lives, strengthens bonds, and creates a ripple effect of hope and support for everyone involved.”

“It’s inspiring to see our two local organizations, both with unique but equal commitments to the care and wellbeing of our communities, celebrated side by side,” adds Young.

Winners of the Canadian Event Awards will be announced on April 30, 2025, at a gala celebration in Toronto.

 Learn more about the awards and the events below: 

Canadian Event Awards 

KGH Foundation’s Heart of Gold Gala 

Once in a Blue Moon™