To ensure that guests arrived at the right party at the Fairmont Royal York on Thursday, Kate Lloyd of IntriKate Events employed uniformed National Ballet School students to direct the appropriate guests to the Grand Pas de Deux gala. The event, which honoured arts philanthropists Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan, took place in the hotel's ballroom, located on the same floor as the "One Night Live" preshow party.
Aiming for an elegant look, Lloyd—whom the National Ballet School contracts to plan its events—worked with Michael Dolan of Avenue Event Management to plan the fund-raising gala, which drew close to 300 guests. Along with their role as greeters, students appeared on the stage, where they posed as models for the eight live-auction prize packages, which included a doggie-pampering kit valued at $5,000 and a trip to Ireland. "Because the gala supports the students, we allocate them to different roles for the evening," Lloyd said.During the dinner of grilled vegetables, beef tenderloin, prawns, and potato risotto, guests watched dance performances by National Ballet School students and a tribute to Faire and Fecan emceed by Canada AM host Seamus O'Regan.
"The student performances make this different from any other event," Lloyd said. "We've also added a musical element this year, with singing by two students." Rounding out the evening's entertainment, electric violinist Dr. Draw showed off his talents, first on a lit-up balcony at the cocktail reception, and for a second time at the dinner portion of the event.
Aiming for an elegant look, Lloyd—whom the National Ballet School contracts to plan its events—worked with Michael Dolan of Avenue Event Management to plan the fund-raising gala, which drew close to 300 guests. Along with their role as greeters, students appeared on the stage, where they posed as models for the eight live-auction prize packages, which included a doggie-pampering kit valued at $5,000 and a trip to Ireland. "Because the gala supports the students, we allocate them to different roles for the evening," Lloyd said.During the dinner of grilled vegetables, beef tenderloin, prawns, and potato risotto, guests watched dance performances by National Ballet School students and a tribute to Faire and Fecan emceed by Canada AM host Seamus O'Regan.
"The student performances make this different from any other event," Lloyd said. "We've also added a musical element this year, with singing by two students." Rounding out the evening's entertainment, electric violinist Dr. Draw showed off his talents, first on a lit-up balcony at the cocktail reception, and for a second time at the dinner portion of the event.
The Grand Pas de Deux gala
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
The concert hall at the Fairmont Royal York was illluminated with pink lighting and purple, blue, and silver decor.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Appetizers at the cocktail reception including smoked chicken Caesar salad in baked pastry cups.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Gift bags filled with MAC cosmetics awaited guests on the silver Chiavari dinner chairs.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Tall mirrored vases filled with ostrich feathers and hydrangeas served as centrepieces in the dining room and reception area.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Two students from the National Ballet School sang for the audience at the dinner reception.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
The cocktail reception in the ballroom was simply decorated, with shimmery blue tablecloths and white hydrangeas.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
The gala's 300 guests dined in the concert hall.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
National Ballet School students posed as models for the eight live-auction prize packages.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
