Organizers of the Brazilian Carnival Ball brought the spirit of Rio to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Saturday for the 42nd annual fund-raiser, which paid tribute to the ball’s founder, Anna Maria de Souza, who died in September. A samba parade—with participants flown in from Brazil—featured a photo of de Souza mounted on a float, and a display in the reception area detailed her involvement with the event.
“Every year we are inspired by the overwhelming support the ball receives. From its beginnings in a church basement in Toronto, this event has evolved into a highly anticipated and well-supported charitable fund-raiser in Canada,” said Ivan X. de Souza, the ball's president and C.E.O. “This year’s ball marks an especially significant milestone as we pay tribute to my dear wife, Anna Maria de Souza, founder of this remarkable event. Because of her tireless work, commitment, and dedication, the ball has helped so many deserving charities over the last 42 years.”Shirley Domelle, Holly Miklas, and Martha Shaw chaired this year’s event. Brazilian artist Zeka Marquez and Toronto designer Luis de Castro collaborated on the decor, which featured de Souza’s motto—"Live, Love, Laugh"—embroidered on throw pillows and inspirational sayings written on the colourful fabric draping the walls. Tall sculptural centerpieces featured large sparkling orbs surrounded by birds, fish, and the moon.
The 1,800 guests, many dressed in costumes inspired by Rio’s Carnival, dined on a meal created by Angelo Fernandez, the MTCC’s executive chef. Dinner began with a papaya boat holding a mango salad, jumbo shrimp, and lobster and ended with lemongrass white chocolate mousse in a marble chocolate tulip, garnished with fresh berries.
The massive floats and costumes worn by the performers in the parade, which snaked throughout the hall, impacted the venue choice for the event. “Because it’s such a big event—and we need a long room that accommodates this large parade and 1,800 people—we find the [MTCC’s] south hall works great,” said the ball’s executive director, Kathie Gayda.
The ball, which directs proceeds to a different organization each year, raised more than $7 million net for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation and the Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute. A huge part of that success came from fund-raising efforts prior to the event. “The chairs' real critical role is spearheading the fund-raising. They bring their own contacts to the plate,” Gayda said. “It’s the volunteers that we need to go out and make the big asks, sell to their friends and corporations.”
Banks and investment firms such as RBC and BMO are some of the ball’s biggest sponsors, but donated gifts for the live auction also helped raise the funds. The five big-ticket items included a Lexus valued at more than $50,000 and an 18-night stay in Rio de Janeiro valued at $60,000. Volunteers also sold $100 raffle tickets with three prizes including a 2008 Camry Hybrid. In exchange for a ticket, guests received a blue star that lit up to hang around their necks, adding more sparkle to the evening.
Event sponsors included Magnotta Winery Corporation, Fabricland, Pearl Pomegranate Vodka, Salvador’s Margarita’s, Cartier, and Hallmark.
“Every year we are inspired by the overwhelming support the ball receives. From its beginnings in a church basement in Toronto, this event has evolved into a highly anticipated and well-supported charitable fund-raiser in Canada,” said Ivan X. de Souza, the ball's president and C.E.O. “This year’s ball marks an especially significant milestone as we pay tribute to my dear wife, Anna Maria de Souza, founder of this remarkable event. Because of her tireless work, commitment, and dedication, the ball has helped so many deserving charities over the last 42 years.”Shirley Domelle, Holly Miklas, and Martha Shaw chaired this year’s event. Brazilian artist Zeka Marquez and Toronto designer Luis de Castro collaborated on the decor, which featured de Souza’s motto—"Live, Love, Laugh"—embroidered on throw pillows and inspirational sayings written on the colourful fabric draping the walls. Tall sculptural centerpieces featured large sparkling orbs surrounded by birds, fish, and the moon.
The 1,800 guests, many dressed in costumes inspired by Rio’s Carnival, dined on a meal created by Angelo Fernandez, the MTCC’s executive chef. Dinner began with a papaya boat holding a mango salad, jumbo shrimp, and lobster and ended with lemongrass white chocolate mousse in a marble chocolate tulip, garnished with fresh berries.
The massive floats and costumes worn by the performers in the parade, which snaked throughout the hall, impacted the venue choice for the event. “Because it’s such a big event—and we need a long room that accommodates this large parade and 1,800 people—we find the [MTCC’s] south hall works great,” said the ball’s executive director, Kathie Gayda.
The ball, which directs proceeds to a different organization each year, raised more than $7 million net for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation and the Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute. A huge part of that success came from fund-raising efforts prior to the event. “The chairs' real critical role is spearheading the fund-raising. They bring their own contacts to the plate,” Gayda said. “It’s the volunteers that we need to go out and make the big asks, sell to their friends and corporations.”
Banks and investment firms such as RBC and BMO are some of the ball’s biggest sponsors, but donated gifts for the live auction also helped raise the funds. The five big-ticket items included a Lexus valued at more than $50,000 and an 18-night stay in Rio de Janeiro valued at $60,000. Volunteers also sold $100 raffle tickets with three prizes including a 2008 Camry Hybrid. In exchange for a ticket, guests received a blue star that lit up to hang around their necks, adding more sparkle to the evening.
Event sponsors included Magnotta Winery Corporation, Fabricland, Pearl Pomegranate Vodka, Salvador’s Margarita’s, Cartier, and Hallmark.
Colourful murals decorated the walls alongside the escalators at the entrance to the venue.
Photo: John Cullen for BizBash
Panels of colourful fabric hung from the ceiling in the lounge area, where pillows embroidered with Anna Maria de Souza's motto—"Live, Love, Laugh"—topped sofas.
Photo: John Cullen for BizBash
A display detailing Anna Maria de Souza's history with the Brazilian Carnival Ball sat in the reception area.
Photo: John Cullen for BizBash
Brazilian artist Zeka Marquez and Toronto designer Luis de Castro collaborated on the decor for the 42nd annual event.
Photo: John Cullen for BizBash
Tall starburst centrepieces including sculpted fish, hearts, and birds topped tables in the dining room.
Photo: John Cullen for BizBash
Inspirational sayings, including "Support our dream" and "We will conquer cancer," adorned the wall hangings.
Photo: John Cullen for BizBash
Brazilian performers dressed in Carnival costumes greeted guests upon arrival at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Photo: John Cullen for BizBash
Floor-to-ceiling fabric panels—covered with images of hearts, birds, and flowers—draped the walls throughout the main dining area.
Photo: John Cullen for BizBash
