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  1. Venues & Destinations
  2. Canada
  3. Toronto

Baycrest's Comedy Night Benefit Doubles as Carla Collins Book Launch

Susan O'Neill
March 3, 2010

The Women of Baycrest—an organization launched in January 2009 to raise funds for research in women's brain health—is always looking for interesting ways to attract members and increase awareness of the cause. So when campaign co-chair Lynn Posluns heard about a new book by comedian Carla Collins, she began organizing a benefit, held Tuesday at the Kool Haus, and planned the event around the book's provocative title, Angels, Vampires and Douche Bags.

"I want to reach out to different audiences, so we choose events that are different," Posluns said. "I've worked with Carla before in relation to Baycrest. She's been so fabulous in terms of lending her support for our cause. She adds a spark to whatever I'm hosting, so when I found out she was writing a book, I thought what a fabulous opportunity to do a pre-launch and turn it into a great entertainment evening."

For Tuesday's comedy night, Posluns called on Francine Socket of Francine Socket & Associates, Event Architects to plan the fund-raiser and turn the Kool Haus into an upscale comedy club.

Inspiration for the decor, by Designing Trendz, came from the red and white cover of Collins's book, with an image of the comedian dressed as an angel. Two models, one wearing an angel costume and the other dressed as a vampire, greeted guests and handed out halo headbands and plastic fangs. Traci Melchor of eTalk served as the M.C., 18-year-old Toronto artist Aleesia sang three of her hit songs, and Collins performed a standup set before signing copies of her book for attendees.

Carla Collins
Carla Collins
Photo: George Pimentel
Comedian Carla Collins promoted her new book during the benefit for the Women of Baycrest.
Comedian Carla Collins promoted her new book during the benefit for the Women of Baycrest.
Photo: George Pimentel
Carla Collins signed copies of her new book, Angels, Vampires and Douche Bags, which is due to be released in May.
Carla Collins signed copies of her new book, Angels, Vampires and Douche Bags, which is due to be released in May.
Photo: BizBash
Models dressed in vampire and angel costumes handed out plastic fangs and halo headbands to guests.
Models dressed in vampire and angel costumes handed out plastic fangs and halo headbands to guests.
Photo: BizBash
Planner Francine Socket filled the venue with cocktail tables and bar stools to create the feel of an upscale club.
Planner Francine Socket filled the venue with cocktail tables and bar stools to create the feel of an upscale club.
Photo: BizBash
Black vases filled with red roses, from Designing Trendz, topped tables at the Kool Haus.
Black vases filled with red roses, from Designing Trendz, topped tables at the Kool Haus.
Photo: BizBash
Socket used white sofas from Furnishings By Corey to create a V.I.P. section for guests.
Socket used white sofas from Furnishings By Corey to create a V.I.P. section for guests.
Photo: BizBash
McEwan—the new market from chef Mark McEwan of North 44 and One—handled the catering and provided items such as vegetable dumplings and curried chicken rolls.
McEwan—the new market from chef Mark McEwan of North 44 and One—handled the catering and provided items such as vegetable dumplings and curried chicken rolls.
Photo: BizBash
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