The guests of the 39th Annual Canadian Hospitality Foundation Gala – The Velvet Lounge took a step back to the 1950’s, the days of the Stork Club, Big Bands, crooners, manhattans and martini’s. All guests were welcomed into The Velvet Lounge through the awning by our gracious doorman and were greeted by the smooth mellow tunes of Frank Sinatra. Enjoying the fabulous music guests bid on fabulous auction prizes, taking chances with the Balloon Bonanza and buying raffle tickets for the fabulous prizes donated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Aeroplan, LG Electronics and Best Buy for Business while enjoying the delicious hors d’oeurvres specially made by the Executive Chef of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and his staff.
The dining room was a stunning representation of an intimate cocktail lounge. Guests enjoyed the sultry tunes of Matt Dusk as they feasted on a menu created specially for the event by the culinary team of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The evening slid in a big finish with the energetic and phenomenal performance from Glass Tiger.
On behalf of the Canadian Hospitality Foundation and the 2011 Ball Committee, we would like to thank all of our sponsors, donors and guests who helped make this happen. Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors Unilever Food Solutions and The Globe and Mail and to our Silver Sponsors Andrew Peller Limited, Danone Professional, Saputo Dairy Products and Trimen Food Service Equipment and to our two new Silver Sponsors – Maple Leaf Consumer Foods|Canada Bread and The TDL Group (Tim Hortons). A thank you to all those that purchased Inner Circle, Benefactor and Patron tables as well as those who purchased tickets.
Thank you to Kevin Frankish, the Master of Ceremonies extraondinaire.
Thank you to Bethann Cole for help us raise as much as possible with our Live Auction.
A thank you to our product sponsors Andrew Peller Limited, Diageo, Eaux Vives Water, Saputo Dairy Products, ACE Bakery, Canada Bread Company Limited, Unilever Food Solutions and Molson Brewing Company; our media sponsors The Globe and Mail, Kostuch Media Ltd., and Ischom Publications.
Thank you also to Total Hospitality who takes care of our moving and storage, Fifth Element for our décor and theme and Iceculture for our beautiful ice sculpture.
We would also like to thank all of the student volunteers that participate from many of our scholarship supported schools – Ryerson University, Centennial College, Humber College, Fanshawe College and George Brown College.
A thank you to the staff and culinary team of The Westin Harbour Castle who ensured the evening was enjoyable and delectable as possible.
It takes many hands to put this together – thank you to all!
