While there was a silent auction, much of the fund-raising strategy centred on selling V.I.P. sponsor booths at three levels, called gold, silver, and bronze. To maximize funds raised, the design team took care to outfit C Lounge with as much V.I.P. seating as possible. The strategy proved successful, with sponsors such as TD, Cormark, and BMO purchasing gold booths for $10,000. Based on booth sales and online donations alone, Front Street Capital had surpassed its goal of raising $100,000 before the event even started. Due to this success, the company is planning to make Summer Solstice an annual fund-raising event.
A challenge for this event, and for many others recently, was the unpredictable weather. Each corporate sponsor that had purchased a booth outside also needed one inside in case of rain. Front Street Capital ended up having to turn away sponsors because of this limitation. Despite the forecasts for thundershowers, the evening ultimately remained practically rain-free.
![E20921sa](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/06/e20921sa.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![C Lounge was transformed for the evening. White furniture, palms, and custom draping brightened the space. Each seating area was assigned to a sponsor.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20921dsc_0347.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Flower arrangements included orange flowers and palms. White leather furniture played into the Miami-inspired look.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20921dsc_0311.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Orange flower arrangements played off the signature colour of Joe's Team Triathlon.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20921dsc_0331.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Flowers and a floating votive candle were centrepieces at every table, including the outdoor booths at C Lounge.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20921dsc_0309.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Floating votive candles and large flower balls filled the shallow reflective pool outside.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20921dsc_0345.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![About 300 candles filled C Lounge.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20921dsc_0353.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Seating areas were reserved for sponsors at three levels.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20921dsc_0322.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Two white circular sofas provided plush seating in the lounge.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20921dsc_0319.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The silent auction included items such as Maple Leaf tickets and Nova Scotia Crystal.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20921dsc_0329.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![After being diagnosed with cancer, Joe Finley completed his first triathlon. He founded Joe's Team Triathlon five years ago, which has since raised more than $3.2 million for Princess Margaret Hospital. Finley died last fall.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20921dsc_0339.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)