To freshen up its annual fund-raiser, which in previous years has used a northern diamonds design theme, the Toronto Blue Jay's Jays Care Foundation this year mixed in a Russian motif. As guests arrived in the main hall of the Carlu, they encountered a Pravda Vodka Bar-branded ice bar from Iceman with Pravda servers wearing Russian military uniforms. Marigolds & Onions provided Russian-inspired appetizers such as borscht, beef stroganoff and caviar, passed by caterwaiters from the Butler Did It. For dinner, Marigolds served a Russian-influenced plated family meal. The feasting began with square platters of antipasto, followed by plated main courses such as flat-iron sushi flank steak or filet of salmon served with sp?tzle and an.phparagus bundle. Russian violinist Dr. Draw performed before dinner, leading guests from the reception space to the dining area. Throughout the evening, Russian music played in the background. Blue Jays photographer Chuck Kochman snapped keepsake photos of guests as they stood in front of a canvas of a Russian castle. Russian-style furs from Barrington's were also on display, worn by models promoting the Rogers Centre's guest suites.Jennifer Santamaria, Jays Care's executive director of community and player relations, developed the Russian motif with help from planning firm Event Spectrum, which proposed the idea. "We felt that it connected with the underlying northern diamonds theme we've maintained for three years," said Santamaria. The theme reflects both the Toronto Blue Jays northerly location and the jewels available in the silent and live auctions. "The whole Russian elegance and vodka look really meshed with the diamonds and northern look," she said.
The entire Blue Jays team was present, adding luster to the occasion. Mark Lash Fine Jewelers donated a women's platinum and diamond ring (minimum bid, $95,000) for the silent auction and a $25,000 ladies diamond necklace for the live auction. Plenty of the Jays paraphernalia was also up for grabs. Around the Table covered the dining tables with regal-looking tan, beige, and stone blue linens. Blooms from Flowers by Margot adorned candelabra centrepieces from Forget Me Not Flowers. Beige leather dining chairs from the Carlu completed the look.
The entire Blue Jays team was present, adding luster to the occasion. Mark Lash Fine Jewelers donated a women's platinum and diamond ring (minimum bid, $95,000) for the silent auction and a $25,000 ladies diamond necklace for the live auction. Plenty of the Jays paraphernalia was also up for grabs. Around the Table covered the dining tables with regal-looking tan, beige, and stone blue linens. Blooms from Flowers by Margot adorned candelabra centrepieces from Forget Me Not Flowers. Beige leather dining chairs from the Carlu completed the look.
Models promoting the Rogers Centre's guest suites sported furs from Barrington's at the Jays Care Foundation's annual northern diamonds-theme fund-raiser at the Carlu.
Candelabra centrepieces from Forget Me Not Flowers with adorning blooms from Flowers by Margaret topped regal-looking tan, beige, and stone blue linens from Around the Table.
Servers from Pravda Vodka poured drinks at a Pravda Vodka-branded ice bar from Iceman.
Privately donated handmade menus incorporated the colours of the main ballroom.
An image of a Russian castle was the backdrop for guest's keepsake pictures.
