Bowties & Sweethearts
Dressed to the nines, hundreds of supporters of the Bowties & Sweethearts Valentine’s Gala gathered in the elegant Hotel Saskatchewan ballroom Saturday night to help raise money for local women’s shelters.
While the final tally isn’t yet available, Karl Fix, chair of the fundraiser’s organizing committee, estimated approximately $130,000 will be donated to the LeaderPost Christmas Cheer Fund, which supports four Regina shelters for women and children fleeing domestic abuse ― Regina Transition House, YWCA Regina’s Isabel Johnson Shelter, WISH Safe House and SOFIA House.
Live auction items ― which included an autographed Rolling Stones guitar, a jersey autographed by Super Bowl champion Jon Ryan, a Napa Valley epicurean adventure for two, a Buffalo Narrows private show, and a painting by Regina visual artist Ladd Fogarty ― raised more than $37,500 for the charity. A silent auction raised thousands more.
Ryan made a brief appearance at the fundraiser. His mom, Barb Ryan, who donated the jersey, was on stage as it was auctioned off.
T he menu, created by Chef Milton Rebello of the Hotel Saskatchewan, included foie gras, lobster thermidor, beef tenderloin and a chocolate trio. Entertainment included performances by Buffalo Narrows, Zenaya Semple and Frogsback.
The by-invitation, $300-a-plate fundraiser was attended by a cross-section of community leaders ― from CFL coach of the year Corey Chamblin to representatives from event sponsor Mosaic to local business owners and professionals.