Bell Canada held a sneak-preview party at Capitol Event Theatre to create buzz around its upcoming Bell Celebrity Gala in support of Sick Kids Hospital. The annual gala, scheduled for November 1 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, attracts more than 2,000 attendees and is one of the biggest events on the Toronto social calendar. The sneak preview gave 70-plus celebrities, gala patrons, Bell clients, Sick Kids Foundation representatives, and journalists a glimpse of the decor and entertainment planned for the gala, which will feature a magical theme. Paolo Pasquini, Bell's associate director of media relations, worked with event management and public relations company Solutions with Impact to create the party.Showgirls from Champagne Showgirls and a banjo-strumming stilt walker from Zero Gravity Circus greeted guests at the theatre entrance. Inside, celebrities associated with the charity—including former Toronto Maple Leaf captain Doug Gilmour, Canadian Idol judge Sass Jordan, and Olympians Brian and Karen Stemmle—shook hands, posed for pictures, and gave media interviews. The decor by MMD Inc. included a red velour drape in front of the Moulin Rouge-esque stage. Gold balustrades and burgee lamps served as accents. Former MuchMusic VJ Erica Ehm was the M.C. She welcomed the crowd and introduced singer Marla Berman, who performed a cabaret version of Joe Cocker's "You Can Leave your Hat On." Following the performance, Ehm introduced the attending celebrities, who joined her on the stage.
A light brunch from Stuart + Saladino included miniature steak and frites, bite-size grilled-cheese sandwiches, and sweet crepes filled with warm chocolate ganache. As guests exited the party, they were handed a gift of cinnamon gummies and a red lipstick pen with the URL of the gala website printed on it.
A light brunch from Stuart + Saladino included miniature steak and frites, bite-size grilled-cheese sandwiches, and sweet crepes filled with warm chocolate ganache. As guests exited the party, they were handed a gift of cinnamon gummies and a red lipstick pen with the URL of the gala website printed on it.
Singer Marla Berman prepares for her performance at Capitol Event Theatre during Bell Canada's sneak-preview party for the Bell Celebrity Gala.
Showgirls from Champagne Showgirls and a stilt walker from Zero Gravity Circus greeted guests at the entrance to the theatre.
Stuart + Saladino served steak and frites in paper wraps decorated to resemble a front page of The Globe and Mail newspaper, one Bell Celebrity Gala's sponsors.
Celebrities associated with Bell Celebrity Gala posed for a picture on the stage.
Mandell Entertainment supplied the Moulin Rouge-esque stage.
Theme cocktails included the Moulin Cranberry Fizz.
