Several volunteers were put into the spotlight at Arborg’s Night of Stars — the community’s fifth annual Volunteer Recognition Gala and fundraiser — on March 21.
Arborg chief administrative officer Cindy Stansell said the night was a tremendous success, honouring some of the town’s local heroes.
“The volunteer gala brought together community members for an evening of celebration, recognition and shared purpose,” she said. “Most importantly, the evening successfully honoured the incredible contributions of our volunteers while raising meaningful funds for the Phil Bauernhuber Accessibility Fund.”
The gala was first established in memory of longtime volunteer Phil Bauernhuber, who died of cancer in 2021. His legacy lives on through the Phil Bauernhuber Fund, created to support fundraising efforts for more accessible community facilities.
Proceeds from the event support development of Arborg’s new outdoor sports complex, with every dollar raised matched by a provincial grant. This year’s gala generated about $25,000 in community donations, bringing the total to $50,000 with matching funds.
The event was once again supported by presenting sponsor Vidir Vertical Storage Solutions.
Fundraising efforts included ticket sales for the gala, as well as both silent and live auctions, supported by generous sponsors and donations from local businesses and community members.
“This event really was a collaborative community effort, and we had so much support from many of the businesses and local people,” Stansell said.
A unique feature of the evening included custom cakes prepared by Dawnett Osioway, with each award recipient presented with a cake purchased by the organizing committee.
For Stansell, highlights of the evening included recognizing dedicated volunteers and celebrating the strength and generosity of the community.
“The strong sense of pride and appreciation shared throughout the room stood out, as did the collective excitement around the future outdoor sports complex,” she said. “Volunteers are the backbone of our community, and this event is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.
“The Volunteer Gala itself is a recognition of that spirit and is made possible by a committed committee that has been building and refining this event for many years. Their work has created a lasting tradition that not only celebrates volunteers but also strengthens our community’s future.”
2026 Volunteer Recognition Gala award recipients:
• Town of Arborg: Kyle Foster
• Interlake Municipal Recreation Association Recreation Builder: Kyle Foster
• Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton: former Riverton mayor and Bifrost-Riverton councillor Colin Bjarnason (posthumously, accepted by his wife, Hazel, and family)
• Arborg Minor Hockey: Steve Toni
• Royal Canadian Legion Branch 161 (Arborg): Marge Tomko (posthumously, accepted by her daughter, Samantha Kilbrei)
• Riverton-Bifrost Recreation Commission: Ross Cooper
• Arborg Bifrost Parks and Recreation Commission Youth: Chelsea Lupky
The gala was organized by a committee consisting of Kyle Foster, Jan Larkin, Bailey Sigvaldason, Dimitri Caldeira, Ron Rogowsky, Ron Johnston, Donna Gislason and Cindy Stansell, along with many volunteers and sponsors who assisted with setup and takedown, ticket sales, decorations and other logistics.
Stansell encouraged anyone interested in getting involved with the gala to become a committee member.
“By bringing in new voices and energy, we can ensure this important event continues to grow and thrive for years to come,” she said.
For more information, contact Stansell at 204-376-2647. Donations are still being accepted on an ongoing basis for the outdoor sports complex and can be made to the Town of Arborg, 337 River Rd., Box 159, Arborg, MB, R0C 0A0.
“We appreciate everyone who is able to lend a hand,” Stansell added.
