WINNIPEG, MB: Turn frowns upside down by escaping to the circus with Variety, the children’s charity of Manitoba, with their ‘Come One, Come All’ Gala under the big top on Saturday, May 9th, 2015 at Delta Winnipeg, cocktails and entertainment at 5:30, followed by dinner sponsored by Pratts Wholesale & Food Service and the Winnipeg Free Press.

Variety helps spectators flee the mundane and escape to exhilarating, nail biting excitement with the announcement of their special guest, Daring Escape Artist Dean Gunnarson! Gunnarson will be bringing his locks and chains under the big top to perform a daring, death defying escape act that will have adrenalin charged audiences perched on the edge of their seats.

Gunnarson, from Onanole Manitoba, has dedicated his life to being the best escape artist in the world and has won several international awards. He is equated as a cross between Harry Houdini and Evel Knievel and is one of ‘the last of a dying breed of dare devils that constantly puts his life on the line to escape impossible odds’. Currently Gunnarson is premiering a reality series called Escape Or Die TV show on Tuesday, April 14 at 9 pm ET/PT on Rogers Broadcasting’s OLN which can be viewed after April 14th at www.oln.shows.escape-or-die/.

“Dean has supported Variety for many years now, and continues to do so by taking time out of his busy schedule to perform at our Gala and we couldn’t be more thrilled,” said Jerry Maslowsky, CEO of Variety, the children’s charity.

Variety is rooted in the history of show business with actors taking care of an infant named Catherine, who was left on their doorstep back in 1928. They took it upon themselves to care for Catherine, find her a suitable family and fund her expenses and education.

“Delta Winnipeg Ballroom is being transformed into a circus event like no other and we are excited and honoured to be able to top this up with world renowned escape artist, Dean Gunnarson! With this event and Manitoban’s continued generous support, we can help turn kids frowns upside down and help them feel like they can do anything too,” said Maslowsky.

No one can escape the exhilaration of this year’s event that includes the internationally known highflying “nouveau-circus” acrobatics of Circus Spectacle, with Dan and Kim Craig. In addition to special surprise guests and Big Daddy Tazz the official Ringmaster and official Ambassador for Variety, there will be a spectacular feast, clowns, balloon raffles and fabulous prizes to bring back the child in everyone.

With the ‘Come One, Come All’ Gala event, Variety Manitoba celebrates 37 years of generous support from Manitobans. Variety has touched the hearts over 800,000 children throughout the province through its programs and special needs and has raised over 30 million dollars. Variety continues in that mission of inspiring hope, enriching lives and building a better future for Manitoba’s children of all abilities. Families who find themselves managing unexpected challenges, whether developmental or physical, are grateful for this support that gives a child a childhood.

Individual tickets are $225 with sponsorship opportunities for this evening that include Corporate and Clown tables. Your donation helps support health, champion ability and nurture development in children and makes a direct impact on their lives. Your support helps you to be part of the solution and turn a child’s frown upside down.

All funds raised stay in Manitoba and will help nurture all abilities of the children throughout the province. To reserve your ticket or table, please call 204-982-1050 or email [email protected]. For more information on this or other Variety Manitoba events, please visit www.varietymanitoba.com. Any child. Any need. Every day.