Join the Party
Last year’s event was so much fun.
This year’s will be even better!!!
10th Annual
It’s a Wonderful Night
Saturday, November 28, 2026
6:30 pm: VIP Reception
7:30 pm: Doors Open
Located at the beautiful and historic
Millennium Centre, 389 Main Street, Winnipeg.
Ticket Options:
VIP Reception: (6:30-7:30 pm) $325
includes: Sparkling Wine and Signature Cocktails &
Exclusive appetizers in the opulent Tapestry Room
Patron: (7:30-Midnight) $285
All food and beverages included.
Master of Ceremonies
Chrissy Troy
Chrissy Troy is the longtime co-host of The Ace Burpee Show on 103.1 Virgin Radio Winnipeg, where she’s been a morning staple for more than 14 years. Originally from rural Interlake, Manitoba, she blends her farm-girl roots with sharp on-air energy. A 2014 YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award recipient, Chrissy is deeply involved in community and charitable work. She’s also a proud champion of Winnipeg’s culture, food, and local spirit.
Entertainment
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Chris Byman
SUNDOG ENSEMBLE
Born and raised on the Manitoban prairies, Canadian clarinetist, clinician, and composer Chris Byman obtained B.Mus and M.Mus degrees from Brandon University, where he studied clarinet performance and literature. As a freelance artist, Chris has collaborated with musicians across Canada and has performed locally as a sessional musician with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Canadian Air Force Band, the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Winnipeg, and the Clear Lake Chamber Music Festival.
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John Himes
SUNDOG ENSEMBLE
John Himes is a classical guitarist, arranger, and adjudicator with a background in classical and contemporary performance. Born and raised in Western New York, John’s passion for expanding the guitar’s solo and collaborative repertoire brought him to Winnipeg, where he most recently earned a master’s degree in music performance (classical guitar) at the University of Manitoba. John earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia before moving to Manitoba.
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Stephen Haiko-Pena
VOCALIST & PIANIST
Stephen Haiko-Pena is a performer, composer and teacher of voice and piano. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Desautels Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba where he studied voice and piano. He has performed extensively as a solo musician and with various groups including the Manitoba Opera, The Little Opera Company, Underground Opera, The Gilbert and Sullivan Society and Canzona.
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Aaron Hutton
VOCALIST
An award-winning tenor and brilliant vocalist, Aaron has flourished as a soloist with some of Winnipeg's most distinguished choral, orchestral, and chamber ensembles, including the WSO, Canzona, the MCO, and Manitoba Opera. Aaron has engaged with some of Winnipeg's premier theatre companies in leading and featured ensemble roles, such as Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Rainbow Stage, Winnipeg Jewish Theatre, Dry Cold Productions, Prairie Theatre Exchange, and Manitoba Theatre for Young People.
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Jeff Rivet
VOCALSIT
Jeff Rivet is a Winnipeg-based actor, singer and performer whose infectious energy has made him a favourite on local stages. A graduate of MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts program, Jeff has appeared in numerous productions with Rainbow Stage and Celebrations Dinner Theatre. Recent Rainbow Stage highlights include Jesus Christ Superstar and Legally Blonde, where his charismatic performances earned enthusiastic praise from audiences and critics alike.
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Duncan Cox
VOCALIST
Composer, Music Director, Collaborator, Performer Duncan Cox (he/him) is a musical artist who works primarily as a composer/lyricist with a focus on the genres of folk/rock, storytelling, and musical theatre. Duncan is proud to work professionally through the country as an actor (Rainbow Stage/MTC) as well as in the music scene playing/singing with various groups in addition to his solo act. On a personal note, he enjoys kayaking and a good hash brown casserole when the weather permits.
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Lee Banaga
CHOREOGRAPHER
Lee Banaga is a Winnipeg-based dancer, choreographer and instructor with a passion for hip-hop and inspiring others through dance. He has performed and competed across Canada and the United States and has choreographed for Sikat Dance Company, Tec Voc High School and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Cheer Team. An instructor with L.A. Dance Academy since 2015, Lee’s professional credits include choreographing Rainbow Stage’s 2024 world-premiere production of Ma-Buhay! A New Musical.
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Vance Masters Jr
DJ
Born and raised amidst the vibrant culture of Winnipeg, Vance Masters Jr has emerged as a dynamic force in the city's electronic music scene. With an innate passion for beats, a keen ear for melodies, and an unwavering dedication to his craft, Vance has etched his name as a respected DJ and music producer.
Live Auction
by
Award Presentations
The Dr. Dick Smith Appreciation Award
This award is bestowed to an individual(s) or organization that embodies Dr Smith's lasting legacy of making an impact for the 2SLGBTTQ+ community and promotes a part of the mission of Our Own Health Centre to improve the health and well-being of the 2SLGBTTQ+ community.
Criteria
Ally or member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community
Has made a substantial difference to OOHC through fundraising support, volunteering or bring awareness of the organization
2026 Recipient: Vic Hooper
For more than 25 years, Vic Hooper has used his creative and professional skills in service of Winnipeg’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. His involvement began with his longtime physician, Dr. Dick Smith, who asked Vic to create a website to share his pioneering work in HIV/AIDS care and gay men’s health. Vic has continued to volunteer his website and graphic design expertise through the organization’s many evolutions, including today’s Our Own Health Centre.
His community involvement has also included the Rainbow Harmony Project, Outwords Magazine, and the Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce, now the Manitoba Queer Chamber of Commerce. For six years, Vic and his partner Pieter also hosted the popular Pride party Cocktails Off Broadway, raising more than $30,000 for local 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations.
Receiving an award bearing Dr. Smith’s name holds special significance for Vic, who was his patient for four decades.
Our Own Health
Community Partnership Award
2026 Recipient: Keneston Wine Market
For more than three decades, Kenaston Wine Market has demonstrated that being a good neighbour means giving back to the community you serve. Since opening in 1994, the locally owned Winnipeg business, led by Jim Jaworski, has become known not only for its passion for wine, but for its generous support of community organizations, charitable causes and non-profit events throughout the city.
That commitment has long extended to Winnipeg’s 2SLGBTQ+ community. Kenaston Wine Market has supported numerous community organizations and initiatives over the years and was recognized as Chamber Member of the Year by the Manitoba Queer Chamber of Commerce in 2021.
Our Own Health Centre has been particularly fortunate to count Kenaston Wine Market among the dedicated supporters of its annual fundraiser. Their continued generosity and willingness to contribute help make events like ours possible and strengthen the organizations working to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ people in Manitoba.
Our Own Health Centre is proud to recognize Kenaston Wine Market with the Community Partnership Award, with sincere appreciation for their friendship, generosity and longstanding commitment to our community.
Thank you to our Wonderful Sponsors
PRESENTING
PLATINUM
SILVER
BRONZE
FRIENDS
CATERING
BEVERAGES
9th ANNUAL
It’s a Wonderful Night
Glitter & Be Gay
Fundraiser is support of Our Own Health Centre
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025, 7:30 PM
From our 2025 event
It was A Wonderful Night to Glitter & Be Gay
Photos by The Superlative Image
Videos by Mel Goncalves
Special Guest
Gena Boubard
Miss Indigenous Canada 2025
Gena Boubard (they/them) is a 25-year-old Anishinaabe from Sagkeeng First Nation in Treaty 1 territory, and is a direct descendant of Chief Kakekapenaise, signatory to Treaty 1 in 1871. They proudly identify as Two-Spirit and non-binary.
Gena is a former Miss Southern Manitoba World 2018 title holder, and competed at Miss World Canada. They are a professional makeup artist, model and strong advocate for Two-Spirit Youth across Turtle Island. This year Gena established the first 2SLGBTQQIA+ Pride Committee in their home community, and facilitated the first-ever Sagkeeng Pride celebration this past June. At the 2nd annual Miss Indigenous Canada pageant Gena received the Public Speaking Award and was the first runner-up for the Charitable Giving Award.
As Miss Indigenous Canada 2025, Gena plans to travel to many Indigenous communities across the country to honour the diversity of Indigenous identities, and celebrate the beauty of our cultures, values and traditions.