Case Study: A Night of Magic Raised $395,000 for IBD Research

Quick Summary

• Client: McGill IBD Research Group & Montreal General Hospital Foundation
• Event: Annual fundraising gala, 2024 edition branded A Night of Magic, held at Porsche Prestige
• Date: November 21, 2024
• Audience: 250+ donors, physicians, and community leaders
• Entertainment: A handpicked team of five Montreal magicians and mentalists curated by Bao Magic
• Result: Guests enjoyed unforgettable entertainment at A Night of Magic, which raised $395,000 in support of patient care and research for IBD clinics across Montreal hospitals

The Client and The Challenge

Each November, during Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month, the McGill IBD Research Group hosts a fundraising gala in partnership with the Montreal General Hospital Foundation (MGHF). For the 2024 edition, they wanted the event to live up to its theme, A Night of Magic, with entertainment that could engage donors, energize the room, and create a memorable atmosphere for an important cause.

The Solution

MGHF partnered with Bao Magic to design the entertainment for the evening. I curated a handpicked team of five magicians and mentalists, all based in Montreal, chosen not only for their skill but also for their professionalism and ability to create high impact experiences.

Magic was made the centerpiece of the night. All five performers mingled with guests during the cocktail dînatoire, ensuring that everyone had the chance to experience magic and mentalism up close. I also opened the speeches with a short stage act to set the tone for the evening.

The performances combined close-up mingling magic with personal mentalism acts, making the experience deeply interactive and tailored to each group of guests.

The Results

The gala was a remarkable success, raising $395,000 in support of patient care and research at IBD clinics across Montreal hospitals.

While the fundraising was driven by the generosity of donors, Bao Magic helped ensure that the evening itself was vibrant, memorable, and filled with wonder. Guests responded with laughter, gasps, and cheers throughout the night, and the organizers summed it up best in their feedback:

★★★★★

We used Bao Magic’s services for one of our events and our guests loved it. Professional, fun, and flexible, it was a real pleasure working with this team, especially with Bao, a true professional from start to finish. Thank you!

– Montreal General Hospital Foundation

The Takeaway

Magic creates shared moments of awe that stay with people long after the event ends. For A Night of Magic, our performances brought wonder, laughter, and connection that perfectly complemented the evening’s fundraising mission. By weaving interactive magic throughout the night, we helped turn an already meaningful gala into an unforgettable celebration.