Manitobans joined together for an exquisite evening in support of advancing Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s research and patient programs
Winnipeg, MB, June 5, 2018 – On April 26, close to 250 guests enjoyed an exquisite evening at Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s Gutsy and Glamorous Gala: Life is a Stage. Held in Winnipeg at the beautiful Metropolitan Entertainment Centre, the Gutsy and Glamorous Gala raised an impressive $110,000 for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s research and patient programs. The evening featured fine dining, a silent auction, a 50/50 draw, and an entertaining performance by Ricky Bogart & the New Casbah Band. The event was held in support of the 250,000 Canadians, including the 9,200 Manitobans, who are living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
“The funds raised at the Gutsy and Glamorous Gala enable us to further our commitment to advancing critical research projects as well as ensuring patient programs are available to Canadians across the country,” said Mina Mawani, President and CEO, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. “On behalf of patients and their families, thank you to everyone who supported the Winnipeg Gala by either attending the event, making a donation, or sponsoring the evening.”
Along with raising funds for research and patient programs, the Winnipeg Gala honoured Grant Mitchell, a lifelong Winnipegger who practiced law with Taylor McCaffrey LLP for 38 years and taught at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law for 22 years, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Crohn’s and Colitis Canada proudly recognized Mitchell’s service as an advocate, a volunteer with its Winnipeg Chapter, a Gutsy Peer Mentor, a Gutsy Walk Committee Member, a Gala Committee Member, Chair of the Board of Director’s Governance Committee and as a Board Director for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
“We are so proud to recognize Grant, our guest of honour, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Grant is an inspirational role model for so many people,” said Mawani. “We are incredibly grateful for all of the support he has demonstrated over the years.”
As a direct result of the contributions made by people who either supported or attended the Winnipeg Gala, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada will be able to continue advancing towards the goal of discovering cures as well as improving the lives of so many people affected by these chronic diseases.
2018 Gala Committee (Jenna Feener, Sharon Vogel, Karen Wachal, Grant Mitchell (Guest of Honour), Carmen Roy, MaryAnn Kempe (Gala Chair), John Iacozza, Mercy-Anne Guevarra)
Mina Mawani, President and CEO of Crohn's and Colitis Canada
Grant Mitchell, Guest of Honour and Recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award
Please click here to see the 2018 Gala Gallery
Photographs by Impact Photographic Design
About Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – are autoimmune diseases which cause the body to attack healthy tissue, leading to the inflammation of all or part of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue, internal bleeding, and frequent and urgent bowel movements, in some cases over 20 times a day. Canada has some of the highest rates of Crohn’s and colitis in the world, with approximately 250,000 people diagnosed. One Canadian is newly diagnosed with Crohn’s or colitis every hour.
About Crohn’s and Colitis Canada
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is the only national, volunteer-based charity focused on finding the cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the lives of children and adults affected by these diseases. We are one of the top two health charity funders of Crohn’s and colitis research in the world, investing over $115 million in research to date. We are transforming the lives of people affected by Crohn’s and colitis (the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease) through research, patient programs, advocacy, and awareness.
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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Mercy-Anne Guevarra
Development Coordinator, Manitoba
Crohn's and Colitis Canada
1-204-688-9076
mguevarra@crohnsandcolitis.ca
Rasheed Clarke
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada
1-800-387-1479 ext. 215
rclarke@crohnsandcolitis.ca