Sold-out “Wicked” themed evening in Toronto pushes event past $7 million raised in support of seriously ill children and their families.
TORONTO, ON, APRIL 23, 2026/insPRESS/ – The Canadian insurance industry came together on Saturday, April 11, for the 32nd Annual Starlight Insurance Gala, raising an incredible $430,000 in support of Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada and pushing the event’s lifetime total past $7 million.
Held at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, the sold-out evening brought together more than 400 industry leaders, partners, and supporters for a night of connection, generosity, and shared purpose.
Hosted by Marci Ien, this year’s “Wicked” themed Gala featured a dynamic Silent Auction with over 100 prizes, along with exclusive raffle experiences including grand prizes generously supported by the Air Canada Foundation. Proceeds from the evening support Starlight Canada’s hospital-to-home programs, which bring joy, comfort, and connection to seriously ill children and their families across Canada.
A powerful highlight of the evening came from 14-year-old Steven, who lives with Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Having faced ongoing pain and hospitalizations since birth, Steven shared a moving message of resilience and hope, reminding the room to never give up, just as he has not with Starlight Canada by his side.
Inspired by his story, the room came together in a defining moment during the Wish Auction, resulting in 86 Wishes granted in a single night. Each Wish represents meaningful experiences that bring light, relief, and connection to families navigating childhood illness.
One of the night’s standout acts of generosity came from Stephen Hunter, CEO of Royalton Resorts. During the Gala, he made a meaningful impact by granting eight Wishes on the spot, in addition to contributing the grand prize for the Royalton Sweepstakes—an all-inclusive stay at Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa—helping to carry momentum forward and drive continued support for Starlight Canada.
“The heart of this industry was on full display,” said Brian Bringolf, CEO of Starlight Canada. “To witness this community come together for 32 years with such unwavering generosity and genuine care for our Starlight families is incredibly powerful. Behind every dollar raised is something real, the result of years of this community showing up, a child getting a moment to just be a kid, a family sharing time together beyond treatment, and a wish coming to life when it is needed most.”
Now in its 32nd year, the Starlight Insurance Gala continues to be a defining moment for the Canadian insurance industry, bringing the community together in support of families with seriously ill children. Funds raised help deliver Starlight Canada’s programs in hospital and beyond, from moments of play and distraction during treatment to Wish experiences that give families something to hold onto during difficult times.
This year’s Gala was made possible through the leadership of the Starlight Insurance Committee and the generous support of its President’s Club Sponsors, including Aviva Canada, BFL CANADA, CAA Insurance, CNA Canada, Enterprise Mobility, Gallagher, Intact Insurance, Larrek Investigations, Navacord, and Sovereign Insurance. Through their sponsorship, each partner also funded a Starlight Fun Center for a hospital of their choice, extending the impact of the evening into pediatric care settings across Canada.
The Starlight Insurance Committee continues its fundraising efforts through the Royalton Sweepstakes, featuring a grand prize of an all-inclusive getaway for two to Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa, including a stay in the Chairman’s Overwater Bungalow, generously supported by Royalton Resorts. Tickets are available now at starlightroyaltonsweepstakes.org, with all proceeds supporting seriously ill children and their families across Canada.
Additional fundraising initiatives, including the Calendar Sweepstakes, will continue to build on this momentum, with tickets going on sale this October ahead of a month-long November campaign featuring daily prize draws.
About Starlight Insurance Campaign
In 1994, the Toronto Society of Fellows had a vision — to unite the insurance community with compassion and commitment to fulfill the dreams and wishes of seriously ill and hospitalized children. In our first 30 years, we have donated more than $6.7 million to Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada, fulfilled more than 1,686 wishes, placed 171 Fun Centers in pediatric wards across Canada, and brought thousands of smiles to the faces of seriously ill and hospitalized children. More information can be found at starlightinsurancecampaign.org.
For more information, photo requests, or interview accommodations, please contact:
Kristina Hopp | Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada
p: 416-642-5675 ext. 2225 | e: kristina.hopp@starlightcanada.org