The Story Behind The Rotary Dream Home
30 Years of Building Dreams Together
This year marks a remarkable milestone as Homes by Avi celebrates 30 years of building The Rotary Dream Home in partnership with Calgary Stampede Lotteries.Â
What began with a successful bid in 1995 has grown into one of Calgary’s most cherished Stampede traditions. For three decades, the Dream Home has inspired visitors, brought communities together, and helped support The Rotary Club of Calgary at Stampede Park and the local charities they champion throughout Southern Alberta.
Like many Rotary Dream Home winners, Walter and Rita found something far more meaningful than a grand prize when they made the 1998 Rotary Dream Home in Douglasdale their own. It became a place where memories were made, milestones were celebrated, and family came first. Nearly three decades later, Walter says, “What really stands out is how well the home has stood the test of time. It’s still a quality-built home that’s served our family incredibly well. People still ask us, ‘Is this the Dream Home?’ and we always smile and say, ‘For us, it still is.'”
Walter’s story is just one of many that reflect the lasting legacy of the Rotary Dream Home. Discover the people, purpose, and partnerships that have shaped this Calgary tradition for the past 30 years.Â
The Story Behind the Dream
The Rotary Dream Home is the result of a partnership that has grown and evolved over three decades. Through the perspectives of Founder and Chairman Avi Amir, CEO Charron Ungar, Vice President of Brand Leadership & Community Engagement Vered Amir, Calgary Stampede Lotteries representatives, and long-standing trade partners, the story highlights the people and relationships that have helped shape this Calgary tradition.Â
Every Rotary Dream Home begins nearly a year before it opens on Stampede Park. From selecting the homesite and developing a custom home design to construction, interior design, and the careful relocation to its permanent community, each stage is thoughtfully planned. No two Dream Homes are ever the same, with every home created exclusively for that year’s Calgary Stampede.Â
Behind every Dream Home are months of planning and the expertise of hundreds of skilled tradespeople, suppliers, and industry partners who continue to bring each vision to life.Â
More Than a Home
While the Rotary Dream Home is one of the Calgary Stampede’s most anticipated grand prizes, its purpose extends far beyond the walls of a beautifully designed home. Every lottery ticket purchased helps support charitable organizations championed by The Rotary Club of Calgary at Stampede Park, creating meaningful impact throughout Southern Alberta.Â
As we celebrate 30 years of this incredible partnership, we’re grateful to everyone who has helped make it possible. From our trade partners and suppliers to Calgary Stampede Lotteries, Rotary Club members, homeowners, and the thousands of visitors who tour the Dream Home each year, thank you for being part of this lasting Calgary tradition.Â
As Vered Amir, Vice President of Brand Leadership & Community Engagement, shares, “Ultimately, we’re encouraging Stampede patrons to buy a ticket and help raise more than $1 million for charities within our community. That’s what this partnership is really about: coming together to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”Â
The 2026 Rotary Dream Home is open on the Calgary Stampede grounds through July 12. Experience this year’s home in person, discover the craftsmanship and creativity behind its design, and help support a meaningful cause by purchasing a lottery ticket.Â
Thank you for helping us continue this incredible tradition. Here’s to the next chapter of building dreams together.
