| EVENT REPORT 11.29.07 11:08 AM |
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| Developments in Literacy Chooses Middle Eastern Theme |
| Colourful Saris, belly dancers, and fire-eaters added spice to the charitable organization's fund-raising gala. |
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Moonlight in Marrakesh was the theme of the Toronto Chapter of Developments in Literacy (DIL) gala fund-raiser at the Palais Royale. Event elements that contributed to the Middle Eastern motif included Pakistani fabrics used in the decor, the menu from Palais Royale chef Steffan Howard, and belly dancers from Arabesque Dance Company.
In the dining area, chocolate brown tablecloths from Micki’s provided a warm background to contrast with the bright purple Jamavar fabric with orange flowers that covered the square centerpiece stands. The centerpieces, themselves, were small brass ornamental Pakistani Hokas, purchased by a board member on a recent trip to Pakistan. Burnt-orange napkins added to the colourful table settings. The lighting was subdued with candlelight, which helped create a comfortable atmosphere. |
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PHOTO GALLERY |
 | Small brass ornamental Pakistani Hokas served as centerpieces during the Toronto Chapter of Developments in Literacy's gala fund-raiser at the Palais Royale.
Photos by: BizBash |
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 | Showvision Entertainment's fortune tellers supported the Middle Eastern theme.
Photos by: BizBash |
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 | Chocolate brown tablecloths from Micki's provided a warm background to contrast with the napkins and bright Jamavar fabric covering the centerpiece stands.
Photos By: BizBash |
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 | Women wearing traditional Pakistani saris added colour to the event.
Photos By: BizBash |
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Fire performer Frank Bentzin from Showvision Entertainment amused guests by twirling burning batons and flaming nun chucks, eating fire, and breathing out flames. Showvision also supplied a pair of fortune tellers to further support the Middle Eastern ambiance. Meanwhile, Arabesque Dance Company’s belly dancers performed a selection of dances associated with the Middle East, including traditional belly dances. (Later in the evening, some of the nearly 300 guests attempted their own versions of these dances to disco music.)
Chef Howard’s food offerings started with a Moroccan salad roll appetizer, containing cilantro and lime with a citrus dip. This proved to be light, refreshing prelude to a tomato-and-eggplant salad with sun-dried tomato and olive tapenade goat cheese. The main course was a cinnamon-toasted Halal chicken supreme and couscous phyllo package, containing dried fruit and chickpeas cooked in green tea and caramelized Ontario root vegetables, and set in chicken jus natural. Dinner ended with a not-so Moroccan, but much appreciated, chocolate molten cake, enhanced with vanilla-infused chantilly crème and four berry compote.
Guest speakers, including Ontario Conservative-party leader John Tory, received gifts of Patchi chocolates on engraved silvered trays.
—Carlie Oreskovich
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John Tory
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