Here ye, here ye! On Saturday, May 6, 2023, the 29th Annual “A Royal Affair” Starlight Insurance Gala made its way to The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto for an evening fit for royalty. At this completely sold-out event, insurance industry attendees and elite united once again to show their unwavering support of Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada.
After having already raised the highest fundraising total in the event’s history in their comeback Gala last year after the pandemic, the insurance community’s generosity has continued to flourish as new records were broken for the second year in a row! A new fundraising record was achieved as an astonishing $361,550 was raised to support Starlight Canada’s vital in-and-out of hospital programs for families with seriously ill children across the country.
Hosted by television personality, Anwar Knight, the royal theme was brought to life as guests were welcomed by a bagpiper and a town crier to kick off the evening’s festivities. To show their support for the cause, attendees placed bids on over 160 Silent Auction items, and even tried their luck in the Royal Raffle and completely sold-out Key Raffle with incredible grand prizes, largely donated by the Air Canada Foundation!
During the celebration, 7-year-old Starlight child, Jessica, and her older sister, Hailey, were warmly welcomed to the stage to share Jessica’s ongoing battle with short bowel syndrome and intestinal failure. Despite their hardships, Jessica and Hailey’s vibrance and bravery continued to shine, and their story is a reminder of how events like the Starlight Insurance Gala help families with sick kids cope.
Touched by Jessica and Hailey’s story, guests were inspired to take part in the highly anticipated Wish Auction to help spread the magic. This year, a record-breaking 71 Wishes were donated on-site to turn dreams into reality for kids like Jessica across Canada! Thanks to the generosity of every donor, these Wishes will go a long way in bringing light and joy into the lives of seriously ill children during their darkest days.
Thank you to President’s Club Sponsors – Aviva, BFL CANADA, CAA Insurance Company, CNA Canada, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Gallagher, HSB Canada, Intact Insurance, Larrek Investigations, Navacord and Travelers Canada – and to all of our sponsors, donors, and guests for making this event possible. A very special thank you to the 2023 Starlight Insurance Committee for your leadership and drive in making a difference for thousands of seriously ill children – from hospital to home.
To learn more about the year-long Starlight Insurance Campaign, visit starlightinsurancecampaign.org.