More than 1,800 guests—including 100 celebrities—had the chance to play arcade games and ride an indoor roller coaster at the 17th annual Bell Gala, held Thursday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The event, planned by Patricia Lakin, Bell Canada's director of national events, adopted a "Rock 'n' Roll Circus" theme this year. "We wanted this year to focus on celebrating emerging Canadian talent," she said, explaining that the circus theme allowed organizers to showcase a range of performers on one stage.
Bands like Finger Eleven, Hedley, Serena Ryder and Suzie McNeil performed at a dinner held under the Big Top. The production also included acrobatics, pyrotechnics, and a fashion show featuring designs by Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier. "We always want to have a combination theme that allows us to evoke some kind of childhood memories combined with a chic event," Lakin said. "The event is in support of a children's hospital so that connects the dots."
In 2005, Bell announced a five-year, $10-million commitment to the SickKids Foundation at the Hospital for Sick Children. The commitment includes a goal of $5 million raised through the gala and an additional $5 million corporate gift to be contributed over five years. The money will help to renovate the hospital's emergency department. "We hope to raise a million each year, that's the biggest objective of the gala," Lakin said. "As an organization we also hope to bring our clients out to a really great hosting opportunity...it's a really great networking opportunity."
Lakin turned to Solutions With Impact to handle the decor for the evening. Guests entered the event through a tunnel with funhouse mirrors that led to a cocktail party in a midway complete with an amusement park featuring a working roller coaster and carnival games. Oversize Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey posters hung throughout the space. Event organizers arranged tables in the dining area around a custom-built runway and stage. Aerial acrobats entertained guests at a V.I.P. after-party following the concert.
Celebrity guests in attendance included Toronto Raptor Chris Bosh, actor Carlo Rota, CBC television host George Stroumboulopoulos, and rock singer Kim Mitchell.
