Reliving Last Week’s Record-Breaking Possibilities Gala

The 2026 Possibility Gala presented by Mid-Town Ford welcomed more than 560 guests and brought in over $764,000 for the DASCH Foundation — a new record for this annual fundraiser! 

“It’s utterly amazing how generous and inclusive our donors are,” said Dorothy Ross, Executive Director of the DASCH Foundation. “And there is no singular person who pulls all this off — it’s a team effort.” 

It takes a carefully coordinated group of over 70 volunteers to run the evening. After months of preparation and a full day of setting up, the volunteers and DASCH staff had the York Ballroom at RBC Convention Centre decorated and ready: The doors opened at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25^th. 

Guests were greeted with prosecco, donated by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, and rows of prizes to browse. There were over 80 silent auction items donated this year, which raised $44,000 for the Foundation. That’s a 63% increase from last year’s silent auction, and Gala Committee member Vicki Zachanowich attributed this growth to the dedication of the team. 

“The committee members — they’re doers,” said Vicki. “They’re not just taking space. They actively participate to support the Gala and make this event better each year.”  

Vicki has volunteered in this position for four years, and she focuses on coordinating auction prizes to ensure there’s a variety of high-quality items.

This year’s raffle booth offered two Air Canada business class tickets, and volunteers gifted a glow ring to everyone who entered the draw. The room flashed with multicoloured lights as guests sported their bling. The booth had to turn guests away; all 200 entry tickets were sold before dinner began. 

The formal part of the evening commenced, and DASCH welcomed Richard Cloutier back to the stage as emcee for the fourth consecutive year. Alongside Richard stood Sarah Adkins, Gala Committee Chair, and Amit Bindra, DASCH Foundation Board Member, to present the annual awards. 

This year’s Honouree was Leila Pharmacy (part of Northway Pharmacy), represented by Darren Murphy and Colin Langedock. They’ve demonstrated unwavering commitment to DASCH and the Foundation, including being the entertainment sponsor for the Gala. Leila Pharmacy also employs Stanford, a DASCHWorks participant who has gained meaningful employment and income because of this partnership. 

This year’s Merit Award winner was Jeff Lamoureaux. Through the DASCHWorks program, Jeff joined the Mercedes-Benz team in 2023, and has built his own DJ business on the side. He proved these skills as this year’s event DJ.  

“Work hard and do your best,” Jeff said. He’s known for his positive attitude, and love of sports. DASCH honoured Jeff’s accomplishments with a Winnipeg Jets jersey gift.

This celebration set the tone for a lively dinner as each course rolled out onto the 57 tables. When Richard returned to the stage and the lights came up, guests knew it was time for the iconic live auction.

Jeff Kingsbury makes this part of the evening a delight each year with his energetic auctioneering. Zipping through the crowd, Jeff knows how to poke fun at bidders as they outdo each other, always raising the stakes and laughter in the room. Two tables battled for the final prize: a dinner for 10 at 529 Wellington. Jeff lowered his microphone and began whispering with the donor, Doug Stephen, founder of WOW! Hospitality Concepts.

“With both tables wanting this prize, we have a solution,” Jeff spoke into the microphone again. “Doug has generously offered to donate another dinner.”

The crowd cheered as Jeff pointed at both tables to signal the prize as sold, but one more bidder wanted to join in. Doug gave it a nod of approval, tripling his donation by offering three separate dinners at 529 Wellington.

After all seven prizes were sold, it was time for the Fund-a-Possibility auction — a reversal of the usual bidding process, as the price starts high and gradually decreases to allow for more crowd participation.

The Ambassador team, made up of people DASCH supports, lined the edges of the room, ready to hand out a stuffed golden retriever named Grizzle to every bidder.

“Before we begin the bidding at $20,000, is there anyone who would like to go above this price?” Jeff asked the crowd. Scott Campbell, Managing Partner at Mid-Town Ford, raised his bid card and took the microphone.

“I have two grandkids, which means I’m going to need two dogs,” he said before pledging $50,000. The DASCH Ambassadors were beaming as they delivered two Grizzle’s.

A gift this size has the power to renovate a DASCH home, repair a roof, or purchase a van that helps the people DASCH supports commute to work or events. Mid-Town Ford has been the presenting sponsor of the Possibilities Gala for four consecutive years, and Scott promised to present again in 2027 and 2028. 

“We believe in the cause and what DASCH is doing in the community,” he said. The Campbell family has no personal lived experience with intellectual disabilities — just a heart for the mission. “It’s unbelievable to see the results and how the money is spent. It’s why we keep coming back: DASCH is moving in the right direction.” 

The bidding continued. When it reached $10,000, Jeff announced another surprise: Winnipeg philanthropist Bonnie Buhler offered a $100,000 pledge if the crowd could match it. As the bids rolled in, that number was soon exceeded. 

By the time the price lowered to $250, the air was filled with raised hands holding up their bid cards. Jeff called out each card number and laughed in awe, moved by how many donors he had to announce. Ambassadors dashed around the room, trying to keep up with the demand for Grizzles.

The evening concluded with an incredible performance by Big City All Star Band that pulled guests onto the dance floor. Volunteers, donors, and Ambassadors laughed together.

“I love seeing everyone gathered,” said Gala Committee Chair Sarah Adkins. “Seeing the people we support here amongst everybody — the inclusion is pretty amazing.”

Next year marks the 15th anniversary of this event, and preparing for the 2027 Possibilities Gala presented by Mid-Town Ford starts almost as soon as this Gala ends. 

“It’s going to be tough to top this year,” Dorothy said, “But I know our team will find a way to pull it off.”