The Booby Ball Infuses an Asian Theme

Rethink Breast Cancer chose an Asian theme for its fifth annual Booby Ball, which raises money for breast cancer research. "We channeled the sexy sights of Shanghai, the tastemakers of Tokyo, and the cultural craze in Korea," said Amanda Blakley, Rethink's manager of special events. "We wanted this to be our most stylish and steamy affair to date." Dubbed "Booby Ball 5: The Mandarin Oriental Hotel," the funky soiree took place in newly opened Maro, a massive 14,000-square-foot supper club in Liberty Village.Pink sheer panels of Asian-print fabrics from Maro established the Eastern decor. Travis Bass of TravisBass.com projected images from the movie Godzilla, along with pictures of sushi, and other images from classic Asian films on white weather balloons hung from the ceiling, and Blakley embellished the space with lots of elegant Japanese florals. The event sponsors contributed to the Asian motif with Eastern-themed activity stations. For instance, Ten Spot, a Queen Street West salon, offered "Peking Perfect" manicures; hair products manufacturer Schwarzkopf created the "Mandarin Mohawk" salon, where stylist Beni Sicilia of Tony Chaar Salon offered Asian-influenced haircuts. As well, FQ created a Japanese-themed den where guests could sit and relax.

Rogers Communications raised funds for the benefit by supplying a karaoke machine and donating $5 every time a guest sang a song. Birks sold Champagne and Red Bull cocktails for $25; guests paid the steep sum for a chance to win a valuable piece of diamond jewelry. Rethink volunteers sold Good Fortunes-brand fortune cookies for $15 apiece with prizes inside from Rogers. Maro executive chef David Adjey served authentic Asian street fare such as Shanghai noodles and oysters on the half shell. Later in the evening, Japanese ensemble drummers Kiyoshi Nagata provided entertainment.