The 2007 Look Good, Feel Better ball
Photo: Courtesy of Look Good Feel Better
1. Bloor Street Entertains
With 23 exclusive boutiques in the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood hosting gourmet dinners, this annual fund-raiser for Canfar is the most prestigious bene๏ฌt in the city. The 2007 event, which attracted 848 people, was marred by a bomb threat outside the Royal Ontario Museum, which led to the last-minute cancellation of the venueโs after-party. (Canfar staged an online auction in early December in an effort to raise additional funds.) The 2008 event will be held at the ROM on November 26.2. One X One Gala
Richard Gere, Sarah Ferguson, and Wyclef Jean were on hand for the fourth annual gala at the Four Seasons Centre last September. The 2007 event, hosted by Matt Damon during the Toronto International Film Festival, raised more than $1 million in support of nonpro๏ฌt organizations including H2O Africa, Healthy Kids International, and Right to Play. The 2008 gala will be held on September 7 at a to-be-determined venue.
3. Bell Celebrity Gala
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre hosted the annual bene๏ฌt for the SickKids Foundation in October 2007. The star-studded gala, which featured a โDorothy Goes Glamโ theme that year, raised more than $1 million. Celebrities in attendance included NHL alumnus Bobby Orr, comedian Carla Collins, Olympic track-and-๏ฌeld star Donovan Bailey, and Grammy winner Alannah Myles. Details for the 2008 event have not been con๏ฌrmed.
4. One Wish Gala
The Make-a-Wish Foundation created a Moroccan-themed bene๏ฌt reminiscent of the Arabian Nights for its second annual fund-raiser in November 2007. More than 500 guests attended the event at the Carlu. The bene๏ฌt raises money to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. The date and venue for the 2008 gala have not yet been determined.
5. Book Lover's Ball
The third annual bene๏ฌt for the Toronto Public Library Foundation took place January 31 at the Fairmont Royal York. The event attracted more than 500 guests and 50 celebrity authors, including Katherine Govier, Kenneth Oppel, and Peter Robinson. CBC News at Six host Diana Swain served as M.C., and chefs Jamie Kennedy and David Garcelon prepared the meal. A novel-inspired fashion show followed the dinner.
6. Design Exchange Black-and-White Fund-Raising Gala
The museum honoured Canadian architectural icon Eb Zeidler and celebrated the 70th anniversary of the historic Toronto Stock Exchangeโhome to the Design Exchange since 1994โat 2007โs fund-raiser, entitled โFeel This.โ The 2008 gala will take place on October 25.
7. Brazilian Carnival Ball
Toronto heats up on May 24 with the 42nd annual Brazilian Carnival Ball to bene๏ฌt the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. The galaโwhich started in a small church basement in 1966โhas raised more than $46 million to support initiatives in health care, research, culture, and education since its launch. The event, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, attracted some 1,800 guests last year. The 2008 bene๏ฌt is dedicated to the memory of event founder Anna Maria de Souza, who passed away in September 2007.
8. Massive Party
The Art Gallery of Ontarioโs ultimate art party took place at Muzik on April 10. Some 1,500 people attended the cutting-edge event, which featured contemporary art installations. This year's theme was "Vanities and Vandals," with 10 artists showing off projects that included grafitti and pole dancing.
9. Pink Bedroom Party
Design house Jeanne Lottie hosts this annual fashion and lifestyle event at the Liberty Grand each October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month. Created by Jeanne Lottie founder Jane Ip in 2001, the bene๏ฌt attracts some 1,500 guests. The eventโfeaturing a champagne reception, dinner, fashion show, live auction, and danceโsupports the Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research at Princess Margaret Hospital. The 2008 gala will be held on October 3 at the Liberty Grand.
10. Power Ball
The whoโs who of Torontoโs arts and fashion scene celebrated the Power Plant Galleryโs 20th anniversary in 2007 at Power Ball 9. The event, titled โRevolution,โ featured radical art installations and performances highlighting various revolutionsโsexual, industrial, political, cyber, and designโand showcasing their connection to contemporary art. The 2008 gala is set for May 22.
11. Operanation
โLa Dolce Vitaโ was the theme of the Canadian Opera Companyโs annual bene๏ฌt, held in the City Room of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in October 2007. The event, which attracted a crowd of 1,000 and raised $80,000, included a dinner, live auction, and performances by C.O.C. singers. The 2008 bene๏ฌt will be held at the Four Seasons Centre in October.
12. Teddy Bear Affair
2007's black-tie bene๏ฌt, which drew 1,100 people, raised a record-breaking $1.7 million for the Childrenโs Aid Foundation. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre was transformed into Teddyโs, a blues-themed supper club and lounge, for the 21st annual gala last fall. The 2008 event will take place on November 15 at the M.T.C.C.
13. Look Good, Feel Better Ball
Helping women face cancer and the effects of cancer treatment is the aim of the organization behind this annual black-tie fund-raiser at the Fairmont Royal York. The gala, founded in 1992, attracts more than 700 guests each year. More than $850,000 was raised at the Hollywood-themed event in 2007. This yearโs ball is slated for November 22.
14. Crystal Ball
Organized by the Reach for the Rainbow Foundation in support of children with disabilities, the Crystal Ball is going into its 22nd year. The 2007 masquerade-themed black-tie event, which drew 1,400 guests, featured the largest silent auction in North America and an impromptu performance by Zach Warner. The event raised $1.2 million. Details for 2008 have not been con๏ฌrmed.
15. Supergala
The Grocery Foundation and the Crohnโs & Colitis Foundation of Canada join forces to host one of the largest charity fund-raisers in the country each year. (The gala attracts more than 4,000 people.) The 2007 event netted more than $3 million, with the proceeds divided between the two foundations. The 2008 bene๏ฌt, featuring a concert by Nelly Furtado, took place on February 2 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
16. Venetian Ball
The annual Venetian Ball in Vaughan has raised millions for the Villa Charities Foundation over the years, with the 2007 event, held at the Paramount Special Event Venue, bringing in more than $550,000. Billed as an authentic Italian celebration, the ball is designed to capture the mystery of the Venice Carnival. Details for the 2008 ball, marking the eventโs 15th anniversary, have not been con๏ฌrmed.
17. Leadership Sinai's Eyes Wide Open
Hosted by Leadership Sinai and chaired by Sebastien Centner of Eatertainment Special Events & Catering, the annual benefit for Mount Sinai Hospital, previously known as the Spring Ball, moved in a new direction for the 2008 gala on May 15. Organizers kept the locationโThis Is Londonโa secret until early spring. MTV Canada hosts Dan Levy and Jessi Cruickshank served as M.C.s for the evening, which also included celebrity DJ Sky Nellor.
18. Dragon Ball
More than 1,500 guests celebrated the arrival of the Chinese New Year at the 2007 Dragon Ball in support of the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care, raising $1 million for the facility. This year, event planner Henry Chiu of the Yee Hong Foundation created a โDiscover Chinaโ theme for the 19th annual bene๏ฌt on February 9 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
19. Ontario Science Centre Innovators' Ball
The second annual Innovators' Ball, dubbed Rock the Red Planet, takes place May 29. The sold-out event, inspired by the Ontario Science Centre's new feature exhibition "Facing Mars: Would You Survive the Journey?," will feature a dinner prepared by renowned chef Susur Lee, the music of South Beach DJ Joe Dert, and performances by Wade O. Brown and Lindsay Ell.
With 23 exclusive boutiques in the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood hosting gourmet dinners, this annual fund-raiser for Canfar is the most prestigious bene๏ฌt in the city. The 2007 event, which attracted 848 people, was marred by a bomb threat outside the Royal Ontario Museum, which led to the last-minute cancellation of the venueโs after-party. (Canfar staged an online auction in early December in an effort to raise additional funds.) The 2008 event will be held at the ROM on November 26.2. One X One Gala
Richard Gere, Sarah Ferguson, and Wyclef Jean were on hand for the fourth annual gala at the Four Seasons Centre last September. The 2007 event, hosted by Matt Damon during the Toronto International Film Festival, raised more than $1 million in support of nonpro๏ฌt organizations including H2O Africa, Healthy Kids International, and Right to Play. The 2008 gala will be held on September 7 at a to-be-determined venue.
3. Bell Celebrity Gala
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre hosted the annual bene๏ฌt for the SickKids Foundation in October 2007. The star-studded gala, which featured a โDorothy Goes Glamโ theme that year, raised more than $1 million. Celebrities in attendance included NHL alumnus Bobby Orr, comedian Carla Collins, Olympic track-and-๏ฌeld star Donovan Bailey, and Grammy winner Alannah Myles. Details for the 2008 event have not been con๏ฌrmed.
4. One Wish Gala
The Make-a-Wish Foundation created a Moroccan-themed bene๏ฌt reminiscent of the Arabian Nights for its second annual fund-raiser in November 2007. More than 500 guests attended the event at the Carlu. The bene๏ฌt raises money to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. The date and venue for the 2008 gala have not yet been determined.
5. Book Lover's Ball
The third annual bene๏ฌt for the Toronto Public Library Foundation took place January 31 at the Fairmont Royal York. The event attracted more than 500 guests and 50 celebrity authors, including Katherine Govier, Kenneth Oppel, and Peter Robinson. CBC News at Six host Diana Swain served as M.C., and chefs Jamie Kennedy and David Garcelon prepared the meal. A novel-inspired fashion show followed the dinner.
6. Design Exchange Black-and-White Fund-Raising Gala
The museum honoured Canadian architectural icon Eb Zeidler and celebrated the 70th anniversary of the historic Toronto Stock Exchangeโhome to the Design Exchange since 1994โat 2007โs fund-raiser, entitled โFeel This.โ The 2008 gala will take place on October 25.
7. Brazilian Carnival Ball
Toronto heats up on May 24 with the 42nd annual Brazilian Carnival Ball to bene๏ฌt the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. The galaโwhich started in a small church basement in 1966โhas raised more than $46 million to support initiatives in health care, research, culture, and education since its launch. The event, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, attracted some 1,800 guests last year. The 2008 bene๏ฌt is dedicated to the memory of event founder Anna Maria de Souza, who passed away in September 2007.
8. Massive Party
The Art Gallery of Ontarioโs ultimate art party took place at Muzik on April 10. Some 1,500 people attended the cutting-edge event, which featured contemporary art installations. This year's theme was "Vanities and Vandals," with 10 artists showing off projects that included grafitti and pole dancing.
9. Pink Bedroom Party
Design house Jeanne Lottie hosts this annual fashion and lifestyle event at the Liberty Grand each October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month. Created by Jeanne Lottie founder Jane Ip in 2001, the bene๏ฌt attracts some 1,500 guests. The eventโfeaturing a champagne reception, dinner, fashion show, live auction, and danceโsupports the Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research at Princess Margaret Hospital. The 2008 gala will be held on October 3 at the Liberty Grand.
10. Power Ball
The whoโs who of Torontoโs arts and fashion scene celebrated the Power Plant Galleryโs 20th anniversary in 2007 at Power Ball 9. The event, titled โRevolution,โ featured radical art installations and performances highlighting various revolutionsโsexual, industrial, political, cyber, and designโand showcasing their connection to contemporary art. The 2008 gala is set for May 22.
11. Operanation
โLa Dolce Vitaโ was the theme of the Canadian Opera Companyโs annual bene๏ฌt, held in the City Room of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in October 2007. The event, which attracted a crowd of 1,000 and raised $80,000, included a dinner, live auction, and performances by C.O.C. singers. The 2008 bene๏ฌt will be held at the Four Seasons Centre in October.
12. Teddy Bear Affair
2007's black-tie bene๏ฌt, which drew 1,100 people, raised a record-breaking $1.7 million for the Childrenโs Aid Foundation. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre was transformed into Teddyโs, a blues-themed supper club and lounge, for the 21st annual gala last fall. The 2008 event will take place on November 15 at the M.T.C.C.
13. Look Good, Feel Better Ball
Helping women face cancer and the effects of cancer treatment is the aim of the organization behind this annual black-tie fund-raiser at the Fairmont Royal York. The gala, founded in 1992, attracts more than 700 guests each year. More than $850,000 was raised at the Hollywood-themed event in 2007. This yearโs ball is slated for November 22.
14. Crystal Ball
Organized by the Reach for the Rainbow Foundation in support of children with disabilities, the Crystal Ball is going into its 22nd year. The 2007 masquerade-themed black-tie event, which drew 1,400 guests, featured the largest silent auction in North America and an impromptu performance by Zach Warner. The event raised $1.2 million. Details for 2008 have not been con๏ฌrmed.
15. Supergala
The Grocery Foundation and the Crohnโs & Colitis Foundation of Canada join forces to host one of the largest charity fund-raisers in the country each year. (The gala attracts more than 4,000 people.) The 2007 event netted more than $3 million, with the proceeds divided between the two foundations. The 2008 bene๏ฌt, featuring a concert by Nelly Furtado, took place on February 2 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
16. Venetian Ball
The annual Venetian Ball in Vaughan has raised millions for the Villa Charities Foundation over the years, with the 2007 event, held at the Paramount Special Event Venue, bringing in more than $550,000. Billed as an authentic Italian celebration, the ball is designed to capture the mystery of the Venice Carnival. Details for the 2008 ball, marking the eventโs 15th anniversary, have not been con๏ฌrmed.
17. Leadership Sinai's Eyes Wide Open
Hosted by Leadership Sinai and chaired by Sebastien Centner of Eatertainment Special Events & Catering, the annual benefit for Mount Sinai Hospital, previously known as the Spring Ball, moved in a new direction for the 2008 gala on May 15. Organizers kept the locationโThis Is Londonโa secret until early spring. MTV Canada hosts Dan Levy and Jessi Cruickshank served as M.C.s for the evening, which also included celebrity DJ Sky Nellor.
18. Dragon Ball
More than 1,500 guests celebrated the arrival of the Chinese New Year at the 2007 Dragon Ball in support of the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care, raising $1 million for the facility. This year, event planner Henry Chiu of the Yee Hong Foundation created a โDiscover Chinaโ theme for the 19th annual bene๏ฌt on February 9 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
19. Ontario Science Centre Innovators' Ball
The second annual Innovators' Ball, dubbed Rock the Red Planet, takes place May 29. The sold-out event, inspired by the Ontario Science Centre's new feature exhibition "Facing Mars: Would You Survive the Journey?," will feature a dinner prepared by renowned chef Susur Lee, the music of South Beach DJ Joe Dert, and performances by Wade O. Brown and Lindsay Ell.
