On May 21st, the Royal Ontario Museum will host Toronto’s top business leaders and philanthropists for the 27th Butterfly Ball. More than an evening of entertainment and live auctions, the annual bash raises funds for the Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre: a collaborative, community-based organization that provides critical care for children and families impacted by abuse and violence. Each year, severe cases of child abuse come through Boost CYAC for forensic police investigations, medical evaluation, trauma therapy, and court support.
Ahead of the 2026 Butterfly Ball, we spoke to Boost CYAC’s President and CEO Kayla Yama to learn more about the fundraiser. Below, discover how the Butterfly Ball came to be and what you can expect to see at this year’s event.
The Butterfly Ball is coming into its 27th year. Can you tell us a bit about the growth and direction of Boost CYAC over the last three decades?
While the Ball is coming into its 27th year, Boost CYAC has been serving families in the City of Toronto for 41 years. The centre was first established in 1981 as the Metropolitan Toronto Chairman’s Special Committee on Child Sexual Abuse, created in response to the sexual assault and murder of a young boy in downtown Toronto. Over the years, the organization grew to address all forms of child abuse; in 2013, it became a Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC), forming official partnerships with organizations including Toronto Police Service, The Hospital for Sick Children, and other vital community agencies.
Boost is one of the largest CYACs in Canada. We bring together police, child protection, one-on-one advocates, trauma therapists, and medical professionals to provide help and support for kids and their families — all under one roof.
In terms of organization and execution, how has the Butterfly Ball changed over the years?
The Butterfly Ball was initially started by Boost staff in a church basement — they organized the whole event and even made their own centrepieces. Today, thanks to our incredible volunteers who step-up as event co-chairs and committee members, the Butterfly Ball has become one of the biggest fundraisers in Toronto, raising more than $1 million. We are truly so fortunate to have the incredible supporters we do.
What initiatives will Boost CYAC focused on with this year’s fundraising efforts?
We are constantly looking at ways to increase our capacity to help and support the kids who come through our doors. For example, we offer short and long-term trauma therapy and, despite our team of ten therapists at Boost CYAC, we still have an eight-month long waitlist for treatment.
When kids come through Boost, they are greeted by one of our advocates, who offer personal support to young people and their families during the police investigation and through trauma therapy; [CYAC advocates] even go with young kids to criminal court. Our goal is to ensure that every child who comes through our door has access to life-saving supports. Boost CYAC offers a proven approach to reducing trauma and improving justice outcomes.
What can we expect from the Butterfly Ball in 2026?
We are so excited for the gala this year. For the first time, we will be hosting the Butterfly Ball at the Royal Ontario Museum and we are thrilled to welcome almost 500 guests. This year’s event is co-chaired by Claire MacNamara, Lesley Rowan, and Sarah Paterson, whose leadership and support helps make the Butterfly Ball so special. Max Mara, our Fashion sponsor since 2022, is bringing another incredible step and repeat experience to the night. Royal De Versailles has generously donated two beautiful pieces jewellery as this year’s Draw Prize sponsor, with Pfaff returning as this year’s Valet sponsor. A meaningful part of our fundraising efforts come from the live auction, and we’re deeply grateful to Cabot, Exclusive Resorts, Air Canada, and Oliver & Bonacini for their generous contributions.
How much of Boost CYAC’s fundraising is driven by the Ball itself?
The Butterfly Ball is our largest fundraising event; it plays a vital role in supporting Boost CYAC’s programs and services. With an annual operating budget of $5.2 million, approximately one quarter our budget is raised through the Butterfly Ball each year. This event is essential to helping Boost provide critical support, and intervention services for children, youth, and their families.
Other than the Ball, how can readers contribute to the organization?
Outside of the Butterfly Ball, Boost CYAC is planning two additional fundraising events this year. On September 20, we’ll host Jump for Boost, presented by Farm Boy, our fourth annual children’s fundraising event at SkyZone Leaside. You can learn more and get involved online. On October 28, we’ll be partnering with Estiatorio Milos for another incredible fundraising event at their downtown Toronto restaurant.
To learn more about Boost CYAC, including its programs and services, visit www.boostforkids.org.
