Hundreds gathered at True North Square in downtown Winnipeg on Wednesday night to celebrate CHVN's 25th birthday with the highly anticipated Birthday Bash Grand Finale. It was a perfect September evening, with the temperature sitting at 27°C when the party kicked off, and 120 qualifiers arrived with hopes of winning one of the incredible $10,000 prizes. A Look Back at CHVN’s Beginning During the celebration, CHVN founder Wade Kehler shared how the vision for Manitoba’s first Christian radio station began. While on a camping trip in South Dakota, God placed the idea on his heart after he heard Christian radio for the first time. It was a dream Kehler pursued for years, and God began to open doors. On September 12, 2000, CHVN officially signed on the air, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus across Manitoba. In 2004, CHVN was sold to Golden West Broadcasting, who has proudly operated the station since that time. Contestant Rounds & Final Draw The 120 qualifiers were divided into five groups of 24, with one person from each group advancing to the finale by finding a specially marked birthday card. But the fun didn’t stop there: the 115 eliminated contestants were given one more shot at glory with a special reentry draw, bringing the total number of finalists to six. The finalists then took their places on the grand staircase at True North Square, each choosing a gift-wrapped box. As the crowd counted down, the lids were lifted, and one box revealed a birthday balloon floating skyward, marking the winning prize. And the Winner Is… Mary! The moment of celebration belonged to Mary, who was quick to make her choice: a trip for two to Italy, thanks to Indigeno Travel. Mary shared that she will be taking her husband of 34 years along on the dream trip. “Seeing Italy has been a lifelong dream,” she said, expressing her gratitude to CHVN for making it possible. She also shared that she has been a CHVN listener for more than a decade. Thank You, Manitoba The Birthday Bash wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible partners: Aloha Plumbing & Drain Service, Booth University College, Furniture Villa, Indigeno Travel, and Luxe Furniture Company. And most of all, we want to thank you, the CHVN family, for worshipping, celebrating, and walking with us these past 25 years. Here’s to the next 25 years of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus across Manitoba!