| EVENT REPORT 02.14.08 12:56 PM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Festive Feast |
| More than 15,000 pieces of hors d'oeuvres, a four-course meal, and a midnight buffet were served at the Dragon Ball, a celebration of the Chinese New Year. |
|
With new galas and benefits being hosted in the city each year, securing sponsors and selling raffle tickets is a challenge in Toronto, even for established events like the Dragon Ball. “Fund-raising is very competitive. It’s a tough business, and getting sponsors is always a key challenge,” reports Henry Chiu, director of development and communications at the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation.
However, despite that challenge, Chiu and his team surpassed their goal and secured 25 sponsors for the 19th annual charity gala, held Saturday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. "A lot of our sponsors have been with us for a long time, so they see the value in being associated with an organization like ours," Chiu said. Ellen's Food Group Inc., Rogers, Lexus, BMO Financial Group, and HSBC were just some of the sponsors involved with the event this year. "We have a series of PR events and advertising throughout the Dragon Ball time period," Chiu said, explaining that sponsors receive a lot of media exposure from the time the event is announced in November until the ball is held in February. |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | A Chinese New Year display featured a lion head surrounded by good-luck lettuce, gold coins, and mandarin oranges.
Photo: R. Jeanette Martin for BizBash |
|
|
 | More than 300 volunteers decorated the MTCC with origami rats, imported Chinese lanterns, flowers, and art.
Photo: R. Jeanette Martin for BizBash |
|
|
 | Red and gold Chinese lanterns hung from the ceiling.
Photo: R. Jeanette Martin for BizBash |
|
|
 | Guests tried their luck spinning the wheel of fortune.
Photo: R. Jeanette Martin for BizBash |
|
|
 | Guests had the opportunity to dress in replica robes from the Ming Dynasty for a keepsake photograph.
Photo: R. Jeanette Martin for BizBash |
|
|
 | Silent-auction items included a pair of ballet slippers authographed by Xiao Nan Yu, principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada.
Photo: R. Jeanette Martin for BizBash |
|
|
 | Dufflet Pastries supplied chocolate hazelnut cakes with berries and coulis for dessert.
Photo: R. Jeanette Martin for BizBash |
|
|
 | The Chinese Dance Workshop performed traditional dances.
Photo: R. Jeanette Martin for BizBash |
|
|
 | Canadian television actor and stage performer Cynthia Dale entertained guests.
Photo: R. Jeanette Martin for BizBash |
|
|
 | Decorative images of Chinese dragons wrapped around pillars inside the venue.
Photo: R. Jeanette Martin for BizBash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The foundation's organizing committee created this year's event, a celebration of the Chinese New Year, around a "Discover China" theme, with one of the highlights being the array of food served to the 1,200 guests throughout the evening. Six Asian restaurants from across the city catered the event along with the MTCC. "Quite a few of them have been with us for many, many years," Chiu said of the catering team.
The opening reception included six food stations with more than 15,000 pieces of hors d’oeuvres, including sushi, Peking duck, suckling pig, and fresh oysters and clams. Dinner began with an appetizer of winter greens with gravlax honey balsamic vinaigrette, followed by pumpkin soup with chicken and abalone. The main course featured grilled filet mignon in Madeira sauce with a side dish of winter vegetables. Dufflet Pastries provided a dessert of chocolate hazelnut cake with berries and coulis. A midnight buffet featured sweet dumplings, an assortment of fresh fruits, and pastries.
Entertainment included performances by the Lester McLean Trio with featured guest and Juno award winner Michael Occhipinti, dance band Grooveyard, and actor and singer Cynthia Dale. The Chinese Dance Workshop folk dance group performed traditional dances, and the Sunny Tang Martial Arts Centre performed a colourful dragon dance.
ADMG Productions provided coverage of the entertainment on large screens placed adjacent to the main stage area and additional screens at the end of the large dining space. Dignitaries in attendance included Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care George Smitherman, Ontario Minister of Energy Gerry Phillips, and federal NDP leader Jack Layton. Radio personality Erin Davis hosted the event.
—Kimberly Spice
RELATED TOPICS
Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
Feist Steps in to Perform at Holt Renfrew's Holiday Window Unveiling
Venetian Ball Recreates Piazza San Marco With 30-foot Bell Tower, Starry Night Lighting
Baycrest Foundation Stages Ballroom Dance Competition for Annual Gala
Microsoft Introduces Windows 7 With Cute Kid, Product Vignettes
Thomas Sabo Product Launch Dresses Ultra With Black Feathers, Roses
MORE STORIES ABOUT YEE HONG COMMUNITY WELLNESS FOUNDATION
Dragon Ball Ushers in Chinese New Year With Lion Dancers, Gods of Fortune
Dragon Ball Organizers Launch Fund-Raising Efforts at Press Conference With 350-Pound Calf
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Pravda Vodka Bar
In the centre of the Old Town Toronto, across from the Flat Iron Building, lie the gates to Pravda Vodka House. rnrnPravda offers a unique chance to sample vodkas from all around the world in a trendy yet warm atmosphere. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Showvision Events & Entertainment
Showvision presents entertainment, staging, sound, and lighting for all types of events and parties. Musical acts include dance bands, Top 40 bands, celebrity music tributes, and other music. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
a la Carte Kitchen Inc.
Whether it is a large corporate function or an intimate social gathering in your home, creating smashing successes is a la Carte Kitchen’s culinary and event planning specialty. Weddings, gala fund-raisers, meetings, breakfasts, and lunches—they do it all and more. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
