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.
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash
Photo: Gary Beechey for BizBash