Stefano’s Stories: Ice Crystal Gala marks 20 years

October 2026

In November 2007, 500 guests gathered at the Fairmont Hotel for the first Ice Crystal Gala. Sparkling snowflakes and lit trees transformed the space into a winter wonderland, and the evening raised $150,000 to support children receiving care at HSC Children’s Hospital.

That first gala was presented by Heather and Hartley Richardson and their family, with Dawna Wallace serving as event chair. It marked the beginning of a tradition now celebrating 20 years.

Thanks to dedicated committee members and chairs, and generous supporters, the event grew quickly from there. By 2013, attendance had reached more than 900 people, and the generosity behind the event also continued to build. Last year, the gala raised a record $1.9 million, bringing the total raised since 2007 to nearly $10 million for child health care and research in Manitoba.

Along the way, Ice Crystal Gala has offered guests something new each year. They’ve travelled to Neverland and stepped inside Candy Castle. More recently, we’ve celebrated at a Rhinestone Rodeo and brought Island Vibes to Winnipeg. This year’s return to a frozen winter wonderland feels fitting. It honours where the gala began while giving us a chance to think about what the next 20 years could make possible.

The gala may look different from one year to the next, but what makes it so meaningful to me is seeing people continue to come together for kids. Their support reaches beyond one evening, helping children and families access specialized care when they need it most.

We saw it clearly during the pandemic. For two years, when we couldn’t gather in person, Ice Crystal Gala became a virtual GALActic Experience and a GALAvant around the globe. Supporters still raised more than $250,000 each year. That response said so much about the people behind this event and their determination to keep helping kids even during an uncertain time.

The fundraising totals show how far Ice Crystal Gala has come, but what matters most is what those dollars make possible for children and families. In 2013, funds from the gala helped purchase four cribs for HSC Children’s Hospital and supported pediatric diabetes research. Last year, Fund the Need donations supported renovations to CK5, where children receive care for cancer, blood disorders and transplants.

This year’s Fund the Need will focus on child health research at Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. Donations will help researchers pursue promising ideas and respond when new opportunities emerge. This work can lead to better treatments and help prevent childhood illness, improving the lives of children in Manitoba and beyond.

We’ve reached this milestone because of so many people who have played a part. Committee members spend months shaping the evening, while staff and volunteers bring those ideas to life. Families share deeply personal experiences so others can understand why this work matters. Sponsors and donors respond with generosity.

To everyone who has helped make Ice Crystal Gala what it is today, thank you.

I hope you’ll join us at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg on Saturday, November 7, 2026, to celebrate 20 years of Ice Crystal Gala and continue making anything possible for kids.

Learn more about Ice Crystal Gala and purchase tickets.