CFC launched its 25th anniversary celebrations with over 530 guests at The Carlu at its Annual Gala & Auction: Celebrating A Quarter Century of Creativity on February 6, 2013. Acclaimed actor Colm Feore (Chicago, Thor) presided as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.
Celebrating a Quarter Century of Creativity commemorated the accomplishments of CFC over the years, as it prepares for another exciting chapter in launching Canada’s brightest talents in film, television, screen acting, music, and digital media to the world.
Presented by Cineplex Entertainment and Holt Renfrew, the Annual Gala & Auction is one of CFC’s most significant fundraising initiatives. More than $600,000 was raised in support of CFC programs enabling CFC to launch future generations of skilled storytellers to the Canadian and international marketplace. Honorary Chairs for the evening were the Honorable Hilary M. Weston, CM. O.Ont, and Nancy Lockhart. This year’s Gala Co-Chairs were Pat Di Bratto, Senior Vice President & GMM, Buying & Merchandising, Holt Renfrew and Salah Bachir, President, Cineplex Media.
In attendance at this year’s gala were Jonny Harris (“Murdock Mysteries”), musical guest Stacey Kay, Mark O’Brien (“Republic of Doyle”), Georgina Reilly (“Murdoch Mysteries”), Zaib Shaikh (Midnight’s Children, “Little Mosque”), Peter Stebbings (Immortals, “The Listener”), Clement Virgo (director: Rude), Albert Schultz (founding director, Soulpepper), and Conrad Black & Barbara Amiel.
Guests enjoyed a luxurious four-course dinner courtesy of Chef de Cuisine Daniel et Daniel, surrounded by the lavish décor of The Carlu by Jeffry Roick of McNabb Roick Events. The evening’s entertainment featured a musical performance by Stacey Kay, courtesy of Slaight Music.
Highlights from the Live Auction, hosted by auctioneer Perry Tung, include: a quintessential luxury hotel experience at Toronto’s Shangri-La Hotel, with an advance screening of a Hollywood movie for 40 people, followed by a sumptuous 3 course dinner and wine pairing; the Ultimate Canali Experience - a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the tradition and sophistication of one of Italy’s top design houses, where two people will attend Canali’s runway collection and meet Mr. Canali backstage; a London Fashion Week adventure courtesy of Burberry, including three nights stay at the exclusive Shangri-La Hotel in London and the opportunity to personally meet Christopher Bailey following the Burberry show; indulge in the utmost in elegance and style and receive a $10,000 shopping experience at Holt Renfrew with a personal shopper, courtesy of Giorgio Armani. Finally, legendary filmmaker and founder of the Canadian Film Centre, Norman Jewison and Lynne St. David-Jewison will host an intimate dinner for 12 at the beautiful and historic Greenhouse on Windfields estate.
