2026 Vehicles & Violins Gala

2026 V&V Gala recipient, Kids Up Front

vehicles and violins

Vehicles & Violins - 24 Years of Giving

The 24th annual Vehicles & Violins Gala will be hosted Wednesday, March 11th 2026 at the BMO Centre. Starting at 5:30pm attendees will be treated to an exclusive preview of the 2026 Auto Show, accompanied by live entertainment played by Calgary’s Finest Musicians, international cuisine and complimentary drink tickets. During the event there will a liquor and wine tree raffle, raising money to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The Vehicles & Violins Gala is an 18+ event, to order tickets please call 403-974-0707.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Gala Tickets

For Gala tickets please call the Calgary Motor Dealers Association at 403-974-0707. Gala tickets for this year's event are $200 per person, GST exempt, 50% of ticket is tax-receiptable.

Calgary Motor Dealers Charitable Foundation (CMDCF) is a registered charitable organization 751180696 RR0001

Please contact us below for tickets.

Calgary Motor Dealers Association
#107, 11505 – 35 Street SE
Calgary, AB T2Z 4B1

Tel: (403) 974.0707

Email: cmda@telus.net

Letters of interest by local charities for the Vehicles & Violins Gala are accepted by mail this year until July 31st, 2024

The CMDCF wishes to thank all who have expressed their interest in this annual event.

Download the Vehicles & Violins Ticket Order Form

2026 Charity

Kids Up Front

Mission: To create joy, promote inclusion, and strengthen communities by connecting children and their families to enriching experiences.

Vision: A world in which all kids have access to enriching experiences.

Values: Collaboration, Integrity, Inclusion, Fun, Agility

Kids Up Front was born in 1999 in Calgary and became a registered charity in 2000, sparked by the vision of local businessman John Dalziel and the dedication of Barb Radu, who helped bring that vision to life.

John was struck by the number of empty seats at Calgary's local venues and asked a simple yet powerful question: What if these unused tickets could bring joy to children facing barriers? With Barb's passion and leadership helping turn that idea into action, Kids Up Front was born, and what began as one person's spark quickly grew into a movement that continues to transform lives today.

Since its founding, Kids Up Front has provided over 716,000 children and families with access to more than $25 million worth of experiences, from hockey games and concerts to theatre performances, summer camps, and cultural events, all at no cost to recipients.

Driven by the belief that every child deserves a vibrant, joy-filled childhood, we provide life- enhancing opportunities that foster connection, belonging, and personal growth. Whether it's cheering in the stands, discovering the magic of the arts, or exploring new passions, every experience helps children feel included, connected, confident, and valued.

Though our team is small, our impact is mighty. With four dedicated staff and over 150 volunteers, Kids Up Front Calgary delivered more than 28,500 unforgettable experiences in 2024 across Southern Alberta. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, every $1 donated creates $3 in community impact, turning empty seats into full hearts, meaningful connections, and lifelong memories!

Non-Profits

Since our first Gala in the year 2000, we have raised more than $4.5 million for charity! This money has been shared by:

· Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre

· Alberta Cancer Foundation

· Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation

· ALS Society of Alberta

· Alzheimer Society of Calgary

· Calgary Food Bank

· Calgary Meals on Wheels

· Calgary Prostate Cancer Foundation

· Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

· Canadian Cancer Society, Volunteer Driver Program

· Canadian Diabetes Association

· Children’s Cottage Society

· CMDA Entrance Endowment Fund at SAIT Polytechnic

· Fresh Start Recovery Centre

· Hospice Calgary

· Inn from the Cold Society

· Kids Help Phone

· KidSport Calgary

· Make- A-Wish Southern Alberta Canada

· Parkinson’s Society of Southern Alberta

· Ronald McDonald House Charities

· The Alex

· The Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre

· The Heartstrings Program of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

· The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT and Nunavut

· The Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta

· The Missing Children Society of Canada

· The Mustard Seed

· The Prostate Cancer Institute of Calgary

We are extremely proud to work with our members, sponsors, charities and patrons in this highly successful and ongoing endeavor to support incredibly worthwhile and deserving charities in our community.

2026 Vehicles & Violins Gala

2026 V&V Gala recipient, Kids Up Front

Sponsors

GOLd

SILVER

CONTRIBUTINg

vehicles and violins

Gala Tickets

2026 Charity

Kids Up Front

Non-Profits