Unquestionably, it was a day to remember. A fundraising idea nurtured by a local mom with a big heart, Andrea Hoffman, brought the community together to treat kids to a special event.

On Aug. 20, 2016 more than 1,100 spectators brought blankets and chairs onto Taylor Field at Mosaic Stadium to watch a locally-filmed movie A.R.C.H.I.E. Everyone was treated to popcorn and drinks. The fundraiser raised an incredible $45,000 for Regina’s pediatric program, through Hospitals of Regina Foundation.

The movie A.R.C.H.I.E. (Artificial Robotic Canine Hyper-Intelligence Experiment) is an enchanting tale about a young girl named Isabel, who makes friends with A.R.C.H.I.E. – a robotic dog who possesses many special abilities. The film explores the power of friendship and what it means to belong—important messages for kids of all ages. When producers of the movie, Trilight Entertainment and Java Post heard Andrea’s idea, they were happy to screen A.R.C.H.I.E. for the kids.

As part of the event, children living with health issues were treated to a red carpet experience before the movie. “It was wonderful to see the kids posing on the red carpet for the cameras, playing with the real A.R.C.H.I.E. (Cosmo) and carrying swag bags full of goodies,” says Niti Bhotoia, vice president of development, Hospitals of Regina Foundation. “They were having so much fun. You couldn’t help but smile.”

“Between Trilight Entertainment Inc., Java Post and me, we wanted to create a fun event for all children. We really wanted to reach out to families who have a sick child that may not get out very often,” says Hoffman. “Those families were treated to the movie, along with snacks and hotdogs, and enjoyed a red carpet experience just like a ollywood celebrity.”

Hoffman says she is grateful to her title sponsors, Dilawri Group of Companies, Knight Automotive and Trilight Entertainment, who helped provide this great opportunity for the community to have fun, rally around the kids and support the Foundation.

Sixty kids were hosted on the red carpet. Most importantly, the families loved the event.

“It was a lot of fun and great for the kids,” states Mike Thompson who attended. His daughter Ella, 9, adds, “It was really fun and I was really excited to get a balloon animal. But the best part was meeting A.R.C.H.I.E.” Mike adds, “I like that the funds are staying local and helping Hospitals of Regina Foundation. That is what’s most important.”