The 46^th annual Cavalcade of Lights Festival opened November 17, 2012 at Nathan Phillips Square at 7pm. This year’s festivities were amazing with performances by Suzie McNeill, Sean Jones, Alyssa Reid, Dragonette, and Circus Orange. There was an incredible fireworks display taking place after the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree! Throughout the festival there will be an opportunity for the public to have their photo taken with the Grey Cup and to enjoy a day of outdoor skating on December 1, 2012. The festival will be ongoing from the 17^th till the end of December.

Aside from the celebrations at Nathan Phillips Square, many neighborhoods across Toronto are hosted their own Cavalcade of Lights Festivals! In fact, Rosedale Main Street Cavalcade of Lights Festival took place on Saturday, November 24th from 2pm to 6pm, with a series of activities planned along Yonge Street from Woodlawn Avenue to Crescent Road. This event included attractions such as a live band, $5 food and drink, horse and wagon rides, face painting, and so much more.

Both events were a great way to celebrate the holiday, enjoy amazing attractions, and spend time with fun for the entire family!

For more information on these events visit: http://www.rosedalemainstreet.ca/ and http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/cavalcade_lights/2012/post.htm

As in past years, CityEvents is proud to have assisted in the planning of the 19^th annual Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is well known for providing permanent recognition of outstanding Canadians who have made extraordinary contributions to enriching the quality of life for people with physical disabilities. Founded by the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP), this public exhibit was officially opened February 11, 1994 at Metro Hall, 55 John St., in downtown Toronto. Two years later a rededication ceremony was held on November 20, 1996 when the exhibit moved to a more visible location, and is now open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information on this event visit: http://www.cfpdp.com/cdhf/default.html

In 2004 the film Born into Brothels won the Academy Award for Best Documentary. The Film tells a powerful story about young children in Calcutta’s red light district struggling to break a cycle of poverty and prostitution.

Soon after, the film makers set up ‘Kids with Cameras’ a non-profit organization that teaches the art of photography to marginalized children in communities around the world. Kids With Cameras uses photography to capture the imaginations of children, to empower them, building confidence, self-esteem and hope.

Kids With Cameras plans to break ground in early 2010 to construct Hope House (Asha Niwas).

The goal for Toronto’s fundraiser is to raise $25,000 – $50,000 US to build a music room in the Asha Niwas Hope House. The house will become a safe haven for 100 girls to live and study. There will be psychological and physical care on site and the house will be built with sustainable architecture.

VIP Event – Indian Garden Party

Time: 7 – 9:30 pm
Cost: $250 per ticket

Enjoy a celebrity chef dinner and open bar at the elegant VIP reception. The reception will also feature the Born into Brothels composer accompanied by a children’s choir.

After Party

Time: 9:30 pm – 1:00 am
Cost: $100 per ticket

DJ Rekha from New York City will be providing the soundtrack for this Hollywood meets Bollywood themed night. Enjoy samplings from Dessert and Liqueur stations while you get your henna tattoo!

Follow the link for more information on The Hope House Toronto Fundraiser.

In his inauguration speech Barack Obama spoke to the citizens of the world and reminded us that we each have a responsibility to the wider community. That is to look after those less fortunate than ourselves.

So how do we go about doing just that?  How can one person’s actions make a difference to those around us who are in need? That’s a truly difficult assignment but, if a group of like-minded people can band together and put their individual talents and imagination together, who knows what could happen?

Such a group of people already exists and has in fact existed for over 100 years. That organization is called ROTARY and is open to your membership. The local club “Toronto Don Valley” meets every Thursday morning for a mix of fellowship, sustenance in the form of a light breakfast, and most important of all to hear ideas for the betterment of our world that we can put into action.

On Thursday, March 4th 2010 Deborah Lewis, CMP, and CEO of CityEvents was asked to speak to the members of the “ Toronto Don Valley” Rotary at their weekly meeting. She gave insight and guidance on the process of planning and promoting a non-profit event in the community. As well as some helpful tips and tricks on the staging of the event itself.Deborah is tirelessly committed to her community. She was a mentor with the TRIDEC mentoring program, a previous Rotary member, and remained on the fund-raising committee for the New Leaders of Sunnybrook Foundation for the past 10 years. Currently she works on The Fireball for Sheena’s Place.

Have All of Your Event Scene Questions Answered by CityEvents’ Resident Expert!

Deborah Lewis, CMP, is the Chief Experience Officer of CityEvents, an innovative and detail-oriented event-marketing firm, with longstanding and sound contacts in the corporate world, government, and charitable & not-for-profit organizations in Toronto. Deborah’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch CityEvents in 2006 with a view to creating benchmarks in event planning in the city.

Currently, Deborah’s insatiable energy and drive have allowed her to accomplish the skilled organization of multiple events that include: corporate meetings, international trade programs, conferences and workshops, social and networking events, high-profile fund-raising events, fashion shows, art auctions, restaurant promotions, sponsor promotions, trade shows, and product launches
Deborah is also a long-standing member of volunteer committees organizing events such as The Canadian Opera Company’s Operanation, the PowerPlant Powerball, Innovators Ball, the new Luminato committee and the Women in Capital Markets (WCM) annual Vinifera Awards Gala.

Deborah attends a number of events a week from product and location launches, anniversary parties, political, networking, fashion shows, fundraising events and many programs / events that make up the city of Toronto come alive for her monthly column called SNAPazzarri in SNAP North Toronto and SNAP Downtown Toronto.(Attending all the hot events in TO allows Deborah to experience first hand the trends in events for many markets first hand)

How to Submit Your Questions

With over 15 years of experience Deb knows the ins & outs of event planning and marketing in Toronto. Hot spots, tips and tricks, great parties, awesome food, helpful suppliers – Deb knows it all. If you have a question regarding anything to do with Toronto and its event scene Deb has got your answer! There are three outlets to contact Deb they are:

Facebook

Join the CityEvents Group on Facebook and post your question on the wall

Twitter

Follow CityEvents on Twitter Mention or Direct Message us your Question!

Email us your Question

Please Include the words ASK DEB in your Questions!

Answers will be posted on deblewis.ca so check back !

FastLane is a themed networking event that connects young professionals from across the GTA. It is beneficial in numerous ways from meeting new contacts, to increasing your business network and giving access to a number of great vendors.

Held at Dermalogica’s head office on King West, this beautiful venue played host to a variety of vendors who primped and polished guests throughout the night.

The skin experts at Dermalogica had guests take it all off! Cleansing their faces, The Microzone Station took care of targeted treatments, then it was on to the Skin Bar to have a diagnosis for all those winter skin issues. Careful not to forget the gentleman, a special SHAVE station gave men insight into the world of premium shaving products.

A big hit was the Massage on Wheels/ Element oxygen collaboration premiering at Makeover Your Business. This allowed guests to take a moment to relax with a ten minute mini massage – complimented perfectly by deep breaths of pure oxygen. Talk about re-energizing!

Just Blo Me! gave attendee’s a chuckle and some sexy hair. Stylists from the recently opened Blo, Blow Dry Bar on King West,  had their flat and curling irons on full heat, providing the ladies with bouncy and beautiful curls.

Amongst the others was Anthony Parazo, of Anthony Parazo photography. Each guest was given the opportunity to pose for a professional head shot after having their makeovers. These photo’s are intended for use on online professional networking sites such as twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.

A night of good food, complimentary wine (from Oyster Bay – New Zealand’s finest!) and music set the atmosphere for great networking! Two speed networking sessions were re-introduced and were the talk of the night. It is a great way to introduce yourself and meet new contacts when coming to an event such as this one on your own. Back by popular demand, our next FastLane event will feature a Speed Networking session.

Check out the rest of the FastLane Photo’s! or visit our FastLane website for information on our April Event: FastLane in the Community. A number of organizations from across Toronto will be on hand to get you more involved in your community!

Toronto’s business sector is a fast-paced, high energy world. In all probability one meets and greets hundreds of potential customers, business partners and clients over the course of a month. What makes a person stand out from the crowd? How does one make a lasting impression.. so that your name comes first to mind?

Follow these 5 Easy Steps to make your best first impression yet!

1. Dress Your Best – It is a fact that people respond positively to a sharply dressed individual.  You wouldn’t take someone with ripped jeans, a stain on their shirt and wrinkly clothing seriously in the world of business – don’t expect anything less of them.

2. Employ a Gentle yet FIRM Handshake – A firm handshake is a sign of confidence. Avoid sweaty and clammy palms – if your hands sweat when you are nervous carry a handkerchief.

3. Smile - The easiest way to make a person comfortable is by giving them your most genuine smile.

4. Make Eye Contact – Give your new friend your undivided attention – it’s rude to let your eyes wander as it gives the impression that you are not listening.

5. Repeat the Name and Ask Questions – The best way to remember a persons name is to repeat it back to them. You get bonus points for asking them a question about their business while using their name. ex. ” So Deb, tell me a little bit about what you do at CityEvents? ”

Looking for places to expand your business network and practice your new tricks?

Tomorrow night – Febraury 23, 2010- Join us @ Makeover Your Business with FastLane to make your best first impression ever!

Let FastLane help you make your best online first impression as well. Your online persona can be the first and may be the last that potential clients, employers and contacts will see.

Have your professional headshot taken for all of your online needs.YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHOTO HAS A VALUE OF OVER $150, come get yours included in your FastLane ticket tomorrow night.

Tickets to the VIP dinner are already sold out – Don’t miss out on the main event , get your tickets soon!

All Operanation buyers are eligible to buy two tickets to a Canadian Opera Company performance at 50% off.

On Tuesday March 16, 2010 hundreds of green thumbs from across Ontario will gather to celebrate the opening night of Canada Blooms 2010 show. The party will take place in the Direct Energy Centre, the stage for Canada’s most eye catching and magnificent gardens. Showcasing gardens designed by Canada’s leading architects/landscapers providing the perfect environment for a memorable opening night bash!

The night will allow guests to enjoy the spectacular gardens at their best before it opens to the general public. Also included in the ticket is a complimentary signature Temptation cocktail and various tasting sessions.

The night will also feature an all night green thumb shopping pass to Blooms’ Marketplace and a special silent auction and cameo fashion show.

Dedicated to providing horticulture expertise, education and resources on an ongoing basis, Canada Blooms is a not-for-profit organization that gives back to the community throughout the year by funding community garden projects around Ontario. All proceeds of the Passions Preview Party go to support gardening and horticulture in Ontario.

Event Details

Location: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON

Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010. 7:00 – 10:00 pm

Tickets are $75 per person

Cash Bar