Tech Data Goes \"Wild\" for its Annual Fund-raising Gala

Tech Data is well known for their lavish annual fund-raising events, combining lush decor with fun and frivolity. Last year's award-winning Medieval themed gala had tongues wagging for weeks, but the "It's A Jungle Out There" customer appreciation event on  July 12 managed to top 2006's night of knights by evoking the primeval mysteries of Africa. Credit  goes to  Eden Planning Inc., who worked wonders with innovative safari props. Eden's Deni Kondric and his creative team gave Toronto's downtown Guvernment / Kool Haus entertainment complex a wild and woolly one-night makeover that had guests looking for gorillas in their midst.     The three-part format of the Guvernment / Kool Haus allowed Eden Planning Inc. considerable latitude in their design. First was the forest green carpet that led invitees who paid $10 at the door past a pair of flanking flame-torched Tiki Bars into a capacious tent. Zebra pattern chair covers and long tables swathed in midnight black spandex from Essential Event Rentals recalled the atmosphere of a ceremonial tribal dinner. Further into the faux forest, effectively enabled by Eden Planning and Amherst Greenhouses, an intricately detailed camper's village featured a vintage Land Rover beneath three uniquely designed sheltering gazebos—truly a genuine explorer esthetic. Last and certainly not least, the orange room was transformed into a full-fledged rainforest—sans rain, of course, where guests dined on savory cuisine courtesy of Kindred Spirits Catering. The Afro-centric  scene was lit with tropic flair by Apex Sound and Lights and was captured for posterity by Kaleidoscope Photography.

Tech Data's Kristi Petrushchak expressed great satisfaction with the successful safari theme of the evening, thanking the company's loyal customers and noting that $16,000 was raised for SickKids Foundation. Petrushchak also said that "this party is the most anticipated, premier IT industry summer event. And it’s an excellent way for Tech Data to show appreciation to hundreds of great resellers—over the years we’ve raised more than $260,000 for SickKids Foundation.”  She hinted that next year's event would continue to raise the bar for Toronto client appreciation and fund-raising galas.