The Georgina Falt Memorial Music Trivia Tournament is back for its 13th year this fall, and organizers are hoping to push their total fundraising efforts past the $150,000 mark for the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
The tournament is organized by Don and Theresa Bodger and was launched in memory of Georgina Falt, Theresa's mother, who died in 2013 after living with Alzheimer’s disease. She worked as a riveter for Boeing during wartime and later as a tugboat dispatcher, raising four children in Cowichan Bay with her husband, Albin. Music was a constant in their home, and even after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it remained a source of comfort and connection.
The 2025 tournament takes place Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Crofton Community Centre, following a record-setting year in 2024 that saw $22,450 raised and 22 teams in attendance — both all-time highs for the event. Since its inception in 2013, the tournament has raised a cumulative $130,397.
The organizers say they didn’t anticipate the impact the event would have and the following it would gather over the years.
“We never in our wildest dreams thought we'd ever raise anything close to $150,000. The first year we raised slightly more than $2,000 and obviously started with very humble beginnings,” said Don Bodger. “But we found our niche and the people who just can't get enough of it and here we are. Some people have come and gone, finding out it wasn't their thing, but some have been with us for all or most of our 13 years.”
The Bodgers note that the 2025 edition has an impressive cache of prizes with items up for grabs from Mr. Mike’s, The Cook & Butcher, Unsworth Vineyards, Enrico Winery, Chemainus Theatre Festival, SportChek, Tyler Cochrane Chainsaw Carvings and more.
“We have hundreds and hundreds of dollars worth of stuff to be won,” said Don Bodger, noting that even those with little musical knowledge are bound to come away with some great prizes.
The format remains the same: teams of eight work together to identify music clips and answer themed trivia rounds spanning decades of musical history.
The 2024 champions, Bucky’s Brightest of Victoria, will return to defend their title.
Participants travel from across Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and as far away as Ontario to take part. A team from the Niagara Falls region plans to return this year after competing in 2023.
Even the awards themselves are impressive. First-place trophies feature custom laser-cut artwork created by E.S. Fox Limited in Niagara Falls, Ont., with bases designed by local woodworking volunteer Keith Palou. Second- and third-place awards are also sponsored, with engraving by Clark’s Locksmiths and support from Sands Funeral Chapel Duncan.
After more than a decade of organizing, certain moments have left a lasting impression on the Bodgers.
“It was unexpected last year when everyone gave us a standing ovation at the end,” said Don. “It shows how much people appreciate the experience and the work that goes into it. And perhaps the pure joy seeing people singing along to the songs, dancing around the tables, and winners the various years launching into a big celebration.”
Despite the crowd’s collective music knowledge, a few songs over the years have left even the savviest teams scratching their heads.
“There have been a few that have stumped everyone,” said Don. “One that comes to mind is 'Tattooed' by Damhnait Doyle, 'Beautiful Blue' by Holly McNarland is another one. So some of the lesser-known Canadian singers seem to stump everyone.”
The tournament is expected to sell out again, with returning teams receiving priority for the available spots. Newcomers can join the waitlist or fill spots on partial teams. Interested participants can contact the organizers at [email protected].
Funds raised through the event support the Alzheimer Society of B.C., including programs like the First Link Dementia Helpline, which offers confidential support, guidance and information to people living with dementia and their families.
