One X One, the fund-raider founded last year by Diesel Canada president Joelle Adler to help improve the lives of children, takes place during the Toronto International Film Festival. The strategic timing of the event definitely helps their cause. The annual cinema extravaganza draws swarms of celebrities to the city, and celebrities can often put a fund-raiser on the map. Oscar winner Matt Damon leant his star power to the program, sharing hosting duties with Seamus O'Regan, co-host of CTV's Canada AM. With Damon on board, organizers were able to attract other A-list celebrities, including Brad Pitt, Penelope Cruz and Jeffrey Sachs, the New York economist who heads up the UN Millennium Project.Adler tapped event planner Jeffry Roick of McNabb Roick Events to help organize the dinner and concert event, held in the Carlu (the gala had its debut last year at the Fermenting Cellar). Roick used reds, blacks and whites in the table settings and staging to create a dramatic main dining space. The table centerpieces were bouquets of red roses, and the white, leather chairs had black velour back covers. Soaring red drapes flanked the blue-lit stage, where singers John Legend, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace, among others, performed. The concert was shown simultaneously on a large screen from Westbury National Show Systems so that guests at the back of the room could easily view the performances.
Eatertainment's dinner menu included rocket and pear salad with six-year-old maple dale cheddar and apple cider dressing, beef tenderloin filet with sweet potato-carrot cr?me br?l?e, and root vegetables with a tarragon reduction. The red, black, and white colour scheme continued in the Round Room, with caf? tables covered in white linen and ghost chairs completed by red seat cushions. Water walls and water columns with seating from Solar Aquatics decorated the long main hall, which housed the items for sale in the silent auction. Small bouquets of red roses in vases covered with velour floral prints from Chad Finucan topped white cocktail tables scattered about the hall area.
Damon enlivened the proceedings by taking a turn as live auctioneer. At one point, he announced to the 500 well-heeled guests that "anyone who bids $75,000 right now also gets to have sex with Brad Pitt." Without missing a beat, Pitt, who was seated at his table, jumped to his feet and yelled, "$75,000!"
The benefit raised a total of $2 million, with Damon's live auction bringing in $260,000. The proceeds will benefit War Child, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, Childfind, Right to Play and the African Children's Choir.
Eatertainment's dinner menu included rocket and pear salad with six-year-old maple dale cheddar and apple cider dressing, beef tenderloin filet with sweet potato-carrot cr?me br?l?e, and root vegetables with a tarragon reduction. The red, black, and white colour scheme continued in the Round Room, with caf? tables covered in white linen and ghost chairs completed by red seat cushions. Water walls and water columns with seating from Solar Aquatics decorated the long main hall, which housed the items for sale in the silent auction. Small bouquets of red roses in vases covered with velour floral prints from Chad Finucan topped white cocktail tables scattered about the hall area.
Damon enlivened the proceedings by taking a turn as live auctioneer. At one point, he announced to the 500 well-heeled guests that "anyone who bids $75,000 right now also gets to have sex with Brad Pitt." Without missing a beat, Pitt, who was seated at his table, jumped to his feet and yelled, "$75,000!"
The benefit raised a total of $2 million, with Damon's live auction bringing in $260,000. The proceeds will benefit War Child, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, Childfind, Right to Play and the African Children's Choir.