The LOOK25 Gala in Calgary, held on May 31 and presented by MAWER, raised over $1.2 million for Contemporary Calgary. Themed “Noir Nouveau” after textile artist Simone Elizabeth Saunders, the event featured a VIP dinner by Holt Renfrew, performances by Justine Tyrell and Timothonius, and a live auction led by Heather Edwards that included works by Saunders, June Clark, Evan Penny, and a circa-1960 Jean-Paul Riopelle. An after party sponsored by Masters Gallery drew 600 guests. Separately, the Butterfly Ball in Toronto, now in its 26th year, raised $1.27 million for Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, with co-chairs Claire MacNamara and Trish Del Sorbo, and an auction handled by Christie’s consultant Brett Sherlock.
These two galas underscore the vital role of philanthropic events in sustaining Canadian cultural and social institutions. For Contemporary Calgary, LOOK provides about a third of its operating budget, directly funding exhibitions and educational programming. The Butterfly Ball’s proceeds support trauma therapy, court preparation, and advocacy for abused children, demonstrating how art-world fundraising extends beyond galleries to address critical community needs. Together, they highlight the intersection of visual art patronage and broader charitable impact in Canada.