With February’s frigid temperatures, attracting guests to a fund-raiser on a winter evening can be a challenge. “You’ve got to get people excited to come out on a cold night,” said Jane van Alphen, co-chair of the “Hollywood Nights” benefit for Humewood House, held at the Palais Royale on Thursday. So van Alphen and fellow co-chair Lake Trevelyan created some Oscar buzz in an effort to draw guests.
“It’s a really important cause. There are 20 volunteer board members, and we put a lot of work into making this night fun,” van Alphen said. The committee decided to throw a Hollywood-inspired gala to coincide with Sunday’s Academy Awards, an apt theme given that Canadian actress Ellen Page is nominated for her role as a pregnant teen in Juno, and Humewood House is a charity that provides safety, assistance, and support to young mothers.A red carpet and Oscar-themed paraphernalia decorated the Palais Royale’s Art Deco ballroom. Video projectors played clips from Oscar-nominated films, and two large Oscar statues were positioned on stage. Guests at each table played a movie trivia game, with the winners receiving chocolate Oscars courtesy of LeFeuvre’s. Performers dressed as Marilyn Monroe and Austin Powers added to the celebrity-themed vibe.
The Palais Royale’s in-house catering team, led by chef Steffan Howard, served a meal of fresh gnocchi in lemon Parmesan sauce with seared scallops and sun-dried tomato chutney. Dessert included cinnamon butter tarts and vanilla brûlée spoons. CTV entertainment reporter Jacintha Wesselingh acted as the evening’s M.C., and Alana Bridgewater—who performs the role of Killer Queen in We Will Rock You—provided the entertainment and hosted a live auction.
“It’s a really important cause. There are 20 volunteer board members, and we put a lot of work into making this night fun,” van Alphen said. The committee decided to throw a Hollywood-inspired gala to coincide with Sunday’s Academy Awards, an apt theme given that Canadian actress Ellen Page is nominated for her role as a pregnant teen in Juno, and Humewood House is a charity that provides safety, assistance, and support to young mothers.A red carpet and Oscar-themed paraphernalia decorated the Palais Royale’s Art Deco ballroom. Video projectors played clips from Oscar-nominated films, and two large Oscar statues were positioned on stage. Guests at each table played a movie trivia game, with the winners receiving chocolate Oscars courtesy of LeFeuvre’s. Performers dressed as Marilyn Monroe and Austin Powers added to the celebrity-themed vibe.
The Palais Royale’s in-house catering team, led by chef Steffan Howard, served a meal of fresh gnocchi in lemon Parmesan sauce with seared scallops and sun-dried tomato chutney. Dessert included cinnamon butter tarts and vanilla brûlée spoons. CTV entertainment reporter Jacintha Wesselingh acted as the evening’s M.C., and Alana Bridgewater—who performs the role of Killer Queen in We Will Rock You—provided the entertainment and hosted a live auction.
Oscar night at the Palais Royale
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Two oversize Oscar statues, courtesy of Designs by Karen Baker, dressed the stage in the Palais Royale's ballroom.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Floral arrangements from Millefiori Florist served as centrepieces.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Performers dressed as Marilyn Monroe and Austin Powers added to the Hollywood vibe.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
The chandeliers in the Palais Royale's ballroom
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
For $20, guests had the chance to guess which baby photos were which celebrities' at a display in the foyer. Prizes included a Westjet travel voucher, a Blackberry Pearl, and Toronto Raptors tickets.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Auction items included a week in Whistler, tickets to the Rogers Cup, and Toronto Raptors tickets.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
