The Biggest Frocktail Party yet at Arcadian Loft

Photo Credit; Steve Blackburn, YYZ Events

Frocktail Designer Dress Auction had exhibited some of its best frocks and accessories on ‘The Fourth Annual Frocktail Party’, which took place at Arcadian Loft on 14th of the instant. I have been supporting this event since the first year and purchased some great dresses over the years.  This years event was the biggest yet and doubled their fundraising. The funds gathered from this auction will go to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The party has already donated more than $80 thousand to the foundation over the years. The new location was a great hit and offered a great area for display as well as the dance floor which filled up later on.

Mainly, fashion-loving designers and some praiseworthy retailers donated most of the items, and individuals showcased for the auction. The Bay, French Connection, Greta Constantine, Calla, Lovas, eLUXE, Ela, Danier are some of the fashion-forward retailers that donated their frocks for auction. The local celebrities were not far behind the retailers in donating their favourite pieces for the auction. Monika Schnarre’s David Dixon Dress and Oscar de la Renta, Mary Katrantzou gowns from Suzanne Rogers were the main attraction. Cheryl Hickey donated the dress designed by Toronto’s very own designer Rodney Philpott which she had worn on the Royal Wedding. The highest selling item was a suit from Garrison Bespoke.

Photo Credit; Steve Blackburn, YYZ Events

Everyone expected that this year’s party would beat all the records of the previous ones and it disappointed nobody. More than 600 guests had graced the party with their presence. The fund passed over $55,000 this year which is nearly twice the amount of last year. This brings a total amount of $150,000 for 2012. The Bay, French Connection, Iceberg Vodka, Purdy’s, Durbanville Hills, O&B events and Got2b sponsored the whole event. Overall, the party was a blast. Congratulations to the organizers and volunteers of this hot event on the TO fundraising circuit.

DX Intersection Gala doubles it size in 2012

 

The historic building of Canada’s Design Museum wore a festive look on November 16th for DX Intersection, a collection of custom creations, surrounding the lobby. IKEA, the world famous Swedish furniture manufacturer, partnered with Design Exchange to present AUKTION. The event showcased more than 20 unrivaled items designed by artists, celebrities and professional experts. The party guests were given the honor to bid on these items and the fund will be used to helping the DX’s Youth Education Program and Canadian Design Preservation Initiatives.

AUKTION had showcased the most dazzling and ravishing pieces of works. Participants from all over the Canada took part in this event. The Atelier 688 and Barr Gilmore worked together to complete a fulgurous floor lamp chandelier. House and Home Magazine enlisted a tennis table and Sarah Stapley a Sid Lee’s music-inspired table. Other than these there were also Christina Zeidler’s “Queen Camo” seating installments, a bookshelf that can dance by Davide Tonizzo and a wall screen by Design Agency.

More than twelve hundred guests attended the party. The whole museum building was lively with sounds of live music and ecstasy of the guests. The DJs moved here and there with their instruments on each floor which included Keys n Krates and Skratch Bastid and Bellosound. The sponsors went through a whole lot of trouble to make this exhibition a success.  Flare, IKEA, DL, GE Monogram, Bruce Mau Design and Sennheiser are some of the main sponsors of this entertaining event.

For more info on the event visit: (www.torontocityevents.ca or www.dx.org)

 

46th Annual Cavalcade of Lights 2012

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

 

Helping to Build Humanity

Living in Canada, many take for granted how seamlessly our rights and freedoms have been woven into our constitution. For many people around the world the idea of having such a charter would be a luxury.However, The Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (FCMHR) have set out to help build a foundation to celebrate human rights worldwide. Thus, The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) has set out to achieve this very goal.

Being built in Winnipeg, Manitoba; upon its completion, it will be the national symbol for the cultivated paths that citizens and organizations have taken to ensure rights and freedoms for all. The CMHR will also serve as a reminder to constantly bring forth positive changes in order to eliminate intolerance, prejudice and injustice from existence.

On Oct 4th, Toronto did its part by holding “Always a Winnipegger & Friends Event”; a fundraiser for the CMHR, held at the Mayberry Fine Art Gallery. Several art lovers were present, along with those who simply wanted to make a difference. Many of the guests also happened to be Winnipeggers and ex-Winnipeggers. Among them were CMHR CEO Stuart Murray, National Campaign Chair, Gail Asper and M.P.P. Glen Murray. Alongside them, renowned Canadian singer/songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk and Winnipegger artist, Rand Heidinger.

The evening brought sounds of clinking wine glasses, live music, tasty hors d’oeuvres and sights of lovely works of art. The event showcased pieces from famed Canadian artists, such as Charles Pachter, Rand Heidinger and Tara Sawchuk; whose works were all up for bidding during the event’s silent auction. Pachters prints of impulsively juxtaposed iconic Canadian symbols and Sawchuk’s modern yet classic stained glass piece captivated the eyes of all guests.

Cheers and laughter filled the gallery however a moment was given to special guests, to take to the mic and share their emotional personal stories. Some talked of poverty while others on gaining basic human rights. Nevertheless, their anecdotes all shared the idea of Canada as a strong example for rights and freedoms on a global scale.

The night although eventful, felt short-lived and guests did not want to leave. But after celebrating humanity’s triumphs and progression many knew upon leaving, that the future did not seem brighter but is brighter.

To view pictures from this event, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityeventstoronto/

For info on The Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, visit http://www.friendsofcmhr.com/splash.cfm

For info on The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, visit http://humanrightsmuseum.ca/home

Author:  Habiba Ahmad

A Royal Showcase

I had the honour of attending Event Showcase Night at The Royal Conservatory’s Telus Centre. It was an evening specifically for Event Planners to showcase the glorious hall and various reception rooms. The Telus Centre has an exclusive list of suppliers that commanded our presence that evening. My Uber black car pulled up to 273 Bloor Street West. I walked down a long aisle to be greeted by polite and professional wait staff carrying warm up drinks of some pomegranate coloured, sweet and sour with a splash of sparkling bubbles. I continued down a long hallway (regrettably in my stilettos, albeit it was a walk that entwined both romance and modern art that made the walk oh so spectacular. One wall was composed of a brick wall and a glass enclosure on the other, humbly overlooking the atrium, home to the b’espresso bar, where you will see students mingling amongst classical repertoires.

 A group of exclusive, yet diverse vendors were lined up on the circumference of the main lobby. Behind each vendor, their company name was discreetly but creatively

displayed in white font, and appeared to be floating, on the glass window behind them. How tasteful.  Only the finest samplings were provided. It was not your usual chicken on a stick or spring roll offering. There was melt in your mouth, fork tender beef ribs carved in the creamiest polenta ever. There was fois gras stuffed cornish hen. Clearly no expense was spared. But wait, there were also lobster rolls stuffed in those bite size half moon, mini white bread concoctions.

 A beautiful jazz trio, dressed in tuxedos played in the corner of the glass enclosed hall. Could the evening be any more perfect?

 You can rent one of the three floors but why would you? Go big or go home and rent the entire venue. It’s a must for your special occasion. Except, all in, it starts at about $50, 000 as you must rent each individual floor and bring in caterers and décor and tables and chairs. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

 If you’re looking for a gorgeous venue and your budget has lots of room for incidentals, consider the breathtaking Telus Centre. And put me on your guest list.

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